Housebreaking isn´t hard at all
In the book "Australian Shepherd" published by Kosmos, Mistress had read that about Housebreaking. "When your dog has an accident in the house, you need to take a rolled up newspaper and hit yourself smartly on the head intoning. To late, to late, to late
!".
She did not have to do that very often ... honestly now ...
Since I was sleeping in my crate for the first 6 weeks I did not have to go at night at all. So we had no problem at night what so ever. Mistress had taken vacation time for the first 3 weeks to have time for my "basic" education. She nearly never let me out of her sight during this time. After every meal, every drinking, every game and even the shortest nap she carried me to the grass. Well behaved I took care of business. I learned very early that I would be praised for it ... I have always loved praise.
Knowing that Lucky and I would play in the house if left alone, even though it was not allowed, we were separated when Mistress went away. As it was very important to Mistress that I would not orient to strongly on Lucky she took us separately to the bathroom and for walks. That way I learned early on to stay alone for a time. The goal was to have me ready to be alone for a time without whining and be house broken when Mistress had to return to work. To make the long story short: What do you think ? Did we make it ??
Hell we made it ! When Mistress had to return to work after 3 weeks I had learned a lot: She had slowly expanded the time in which I could stay alone and had to use the bathroom, bringing it to a total 2 x 4 hours. In her break we went outside immediately and I took care of business. I was full to bursting then, I´ve got to admit.
Before Mistress would leave the house for an other 4 hours I got my lunch and went to the loo again. We also played a bit in-between. Mistress did take Lucky out as well of course. For Mistress this time was very draining but also very fulfilling. As she keeps telling me ...
