Housebreaking Your Puppy
Most puppies are too young to be held responsible for their bladder and
bowel habits. A pup will go to the bathroom in the right place sometimes. That
may be because she learns fast and is smart, or it may be an accident that
was just lucky. It is your job to create opportunities for your pup to be
successful and to go in the correct place, outside.
Remember these things!
1. Always take your puppy out FIRST thing in the morning, before you do
anything.
2. Always take your puppy out FIRST thing after eating a meal.
3. Use a timer or a clock, set it at 30 minutes, and take your puppy out each
time the bell rings. If she doesn't relieve herself, just praise her for going
outside. As she gets older, you can increase the time. You only need to stay
outside with her for a few minutes. Then take her out again every 30 minutes.
Learn to read her body language.
When a puppy starts circling or sniffing around, pick her up and take her
outside FAST.
4. NEVER leave your pup unattended in the house or even a room at a young
age. A dog should not be left alone in a house until they are at least one year
old, sometimes two. Make sure they have been well-behaved and trustworthy
with their bathroom habits first.
5. When you can't watch her, put your puppy in the yard, a pen, or a crate with
some toys. But don't forget about her and don't leave her out there too long!
6. Give your puppy her last meal about 1-2 hours before bedtime, and make
sure she goes outside to relieve herself just before she goes to bed. DO NOT
let her roam free during the night. She should be confined.
7. Never yell at your dog or push her nose in her messes. She is very young.
Human babies don't learn to use the toilet until they are two or three years old,
right? Don't ask too much of your puppy. Give her opportunities to be
successful.
8. Be sure to clean up the areas in the house where your dog has already
messed in. Use something that will take away any odor that is there. Dogs will
mess again if they can smell the areas.
TIP:
It's a good idea to check with your veterinarian before beginning any
housebreaking schedule.
Crate Training
Many people prefer to housebreak their dogs using a method called 'crate
training'. They put their dog in a special dog crate (cage) during the night and
when they are away from home for short periods of time.
Dogs will usually not mess in small areas because it feels like a cave or home
to them. Then, when the people come home or wake up, they let their dog out
into the yard.
Crate training is a good way to help your dog become housebroken. Dogs
like crates because it gives them a chance to be alone for a little while. Even
dogs like privacy!
bowel habits. A pup will go to the bathroom in the right place sometimes. That
may be because she learns fast and is smart, or it may be an accident that
was just lucky. It is your job to create opportunities for your pup to be
successful and to go in the correct place, outside.
Remember these things!
1. Always take your puppy out FIRST thing in the morning, before you do
anything.
2. Always take your puppy out FIRST thing after eating a meal.
3. Use a timer or a clock, set it at 30 minutes, and take your puppy out each
time the bell rings. If she doesn't relieve herself, just praise her for going
outside. As she gets older, you can increase the time. You only need to stay
outside with her for a few minutes. Then take her out again every 30 minutes.
Learn to read her body language.
When a puppy starts circling or sniffing around, pick her up and take her
outside FAST.
4. NEVER leave your pup unattended in the house or even a room at a young
age. A dog should not be left alone in a house until they are at least one year
old, sometimes two. Make sure they have been well-behaved and trustworthy
with their bathroom habits first.
5. When you can't watch her, put your puppy in the yard, a pen, or a crate with
some toys. But don't forget about her and don't leave her out there too long!
6. Give your puppy her last meal about 1-2 hours before bedtime, and make
sure she goes outside to relieve herself just before she goes to bed. DO NOT
let her roam free during the night. She should be confined.
7. Never yell at your dog or push her nose in her messes. She is very young.
Human babies don't learn to use the toilet until they are two or three years old,
right? Don't ask too much of your puppy. Give her opportunities to be
successful.
8. Be sure to clean up the areas in the house where your dog has already
messed in. Use something that will take away any odor that is there. Dogs will
mess again if they can smell the areas.
TIP:
It's a good idea to check with your veterinarian before beginning any
housebreaking schedule.
Crate Training
Many people prefer to housebreak their dogs using a method called 'crate
training'. They put their dog in a special dog crate (cage) during the night and
when they are away from home for short periods of time.
Dogs will usually not mess in small areas because it feels like a cave or home
to them. Then, when the people come home or wake up, they let their dog out
into the yard.
Crate training is a good way to help your dog become housebroken. Dogs
like crates because it gives them a chance to be alone for a little while. Even
dogs like privacy!
