Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Housebroken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ ๐Ÿ•
Add to dictionary

housebroken

[หˆhaสŠsหŒbroสŠ.kษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

pet behavior

Housebroken refers to an animal, typically a dog, that has been trained to urinate and defecate outside or in a designated area rather than inside the house. This is an important aspect of pet ownership, ensuring that the living environment remains clean and hygienic. Housebroken pets usually respond to specific cues from their owners, allowing them to understand when and where they can relieve themselves. Training a pet to be housebroken often requires consistent routines and positive reinforcement.

Synonyms

clean, disciplined, potty trained, trained.

Examples of usage

  • My dog is fully housebroken.
  • It took weeks to get the puppy housebroken.
  • A housebroken cat usually uses a litter box.
  • Adopting a housebroken pet is often easier for new owners.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, having a housebroken pet is a sign of responsible pet ownership and is often expected in societal norms.
  • Some cultures use different training methods for housebreaking, emphasizing the importance of understanding animal behavior.

Training Techniques

  • Positive reinforcement is a common training method, rewarding pets for doing the right thing rather than punishing them for mistakes.
  • Crate training is another widely used method that helps animals learn to hold their bathroom needs until they are let outside.

Behavioral Psychology

  • Understanding animal behavior helps in effective training; animals thrive on routine and consistency.
  • Many trainers suggest that socialization with other housebroken pets can encourage learning and proper behavior.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray funny situations where pets misbehave indoors, emphasizing the challenges of housebreaking.
  • In childrenโ€™s media, housebroken pets are portrayed as the ideal sidekick, reassuring families that a well-behaved animal is achievable.

Origin of 'housebroken'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'house', referring to a dwelling, and 'broken', which in this context means tamed or trained.
  • Originally, 'broken' referred to horses that had been tamed, showing how training applies across species.

The term 'housebroken' originated in the early 19th century in the United States, combining 'house' and 'broken,' where 'broken' implies being trained or conditioned. The concept of breaking an animal to behave in a certain way within the confines of a home reflects the growing importance of domestic pets during this time. As households began to see animals, especially dogs, as companions rather than just working animals, the need for pets to adapt to home life became evident. This led to the development of various training techniques, emphasizing the necessity of being 'housebroken' in order to coexist harmoniously with human family members. Over the years, the focus on animal training and behavior has evolved, but the term has remained a staple in pet care vernacular.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,672, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.