Originally posted by shutterbug0303
Something that I found interesting that I picked up from our puppy preschool is that when a dog elimintes in the house, or makes any type of mess for that matter, you are to direct all of your anger at the mess. The dog will not associate anger with him! Since animals do not like yelling, then supposedly, they figure out what made you made (even though it wasn't them) and make sure it doesn't happen.

We never really got to use this for potty training since Sahara was broke by the time we started pre-school, but we occassionally will yell at the trash when it is torn up. The dogs get very nervous and want us to be happy. I can't say that I've seen any positive results, but if you're angry...it's a way to vent without yelling at the pups! lol
I'm sorry but I don't agree. I think you are unnecessarily upsetting your dogs.
Your dogs may very well begin to think that garbage on the ground will upset you. I seriously doubt that they are going to make the jump in logic that will connect the idea that their putting the garbage on the ground will prevent you from being upset with the garbage on the ground. Instead they are going to get in the garbage because it is a self satisfying activity (they get rewarded for it right away by all the "yummy" things they find) and then be stressed because the stuff that gets you mad is on the floor.

As for the house training, the best way to prevent a dog from going inside is constant supervision, andt he use of a safe place (crate) when you can't supervise. If you are always watching the pup then you can catch it in the act and show it the proper place to go.
Also remember the number one rule:
Carry a rolled up newspaper with you everywhere. If you come across a mess raise the paper in the air and smack yourself while repeating "I should have been watching my puppy....."

Good luck! Aren't puppies fun!