Housebreaking a Puppy

Housebreaking a puppy needs to happen early in its life. Housebreaking puppies is also known as potty training puppies. Successfully potty training a puppy requires patience and structure.

House breaking a puppy can be very challenging especially for people who have day jobs. So what are the best methods for housebreaking puppies?

The answer to that question depends a bit on your circumstances at home, but one of the key components to potty training a puppy is patience and consistency.

If you’re rarely home, be ready for a very long haul (and a puppy may not be your best choice in pets). If you have friends or family who can help, however, then you can create a plan.

Be aware from the get-go that your puppy is going to make a mistake. Potty training a puppy is similar to working with a child except it takes less time! If you do not SEE your puppy make a mistake you should not punish him or her. They will have no idea why you’re mad.

Having said that, it’s just as important to remember to praise your puppy when they do a good job with training. Dogs are very social creatures. They understand your tones and the simple words when repeated in specific circumstances. Yes! No! Good! Hurry Up! Keep it simple and unfailing.

Housebreaking a puppy is often a learning experience for both the puppy and you (you'll learn a lot about your pup while you go through the experience).

While you can use newspaper and praise your pup when he or she uses the right spot, this sends a mixed message to your dog - is it or is it NOT ok to eliminate in the house? If your goal is getting the dog outside, paper training may not be your best option.

The method recommended by most dog trainers is crate training. If you pick a crate just big enough for the dog to turn around in, then they won’t eliminate in the crate because they like clean living spaces. Note that if your crate is too big, it may encourage the dog to eliminate in the open spot where they won’t sleep.

Now, it's very important that you don’t abuse the crate. When sleeping, puppies are ok for 7-8 hours, but beyond that it will be very hard for them to hold it. When awake and active, you can anticipate the dog being able to control elimination for one hour per month of age.

If you know you can’t observe your pup, put him in the crate with a little treat. Make that his or her 'special' place. A toy in the crate is good too. When you can go back to being attentive, take the dog right outside, reward good behavior (the reward doesn't have to be dog treats, it can praise or play), then return to the house.

Some people feel awkward or bad about crate training (thinking that 'caging is bad'), but it’s something that’s good for your dog. In the wild, pups seek out caves for a safe space. The crate becomes an alternative safe space in the house that you’ll find your dog goes to naturally even when you don’t put them inside.

When you are housebreaking a puppy don't overlook the importance of verbal cues. For example, the term 'out' or 'outside' is a great verbal cue for your dog. If you use it at the door every time you take them out, they’ll quickly realize the meaning. If you have a dog that refuses to bark to go out, you can watch for physical signs (like circling) or you can create a game for the pup.

For example, put a set of bells on the door knob for the dog to paw instead of barking. It works wonderfully.

By following these basic guidelines you’ll find that housebreaking a puppy isn’t as difficult as you may have imagined.

Remember it's all about building a trusting relationship with your dog and giving them consistent input and structure (take them out every hour, then every two hours, and so on - and also take them out the same door each time. Within about 4-6 weeks, you should see some level of success that both you and your dog can celebrate.

P.S. Taking care of your puppy also includes making sure that your puppy is well cared for. Check ears, eyes, skin and coat regularly - they reflect the health of your pup. Make sure that you get the required vaccinations for your dog - visit your veterinarian.

Also make sure that if your puppy spends time outside playing in the grass and dirt and with other dogs that you use a preventative flea shampoo that is not hard on your pet's skin. We recommend PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo for Dogs: it helps deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes.

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