Housebreaking A Puppy: Try These Effective Training Methods   

Begin housebreaking a puppy the moment you bring it home. It is a good idea to make this period as stress-free for your new pup as possible, so avoid introducing the newcomer during the holidays or other special events so you can devote all of your attention to getting him settled into his new home. 

If your pup is at least twelve weeks old, crate training is the way to go, as all dogs develop the instinct to avoid soiling its sleeping area. The crate will be where he sleeps and stays when nobody is there to supervise him. Avoid leaving the pup in the crate for prolonged periods. You can’t hold it forever, and neither can he. IMPORTANT: The crate is never to be used for discipline. This is a safe haven only. 

Bring him outside first thing before he eats in the morning. He will then need to go out again not too long after breakfast. Most puppies will need to toilet at least six times per day, but the obvious times are after eating and drinking, playing and when they wake up. Be sure to try to toilet before crating him at night as well. 

Give lots of praise when he does his business outside. Positive reinforcement is the objective when housebreaking a puppy, not negative discipline. When your dog is among the family, pay attention to signs that he needs to toilet: sniffing and circling. If you catch him in the act, say NO and quickly get him outside. If he finishes out there, give praise. Do not punish. 

If you find an accident after the fact, scolding is pointless, because he will not understand what he did wrong. Simple say shame and clean it up. He will see you are not happy. Also, clean the area thoroughly to remove the scent of feces or urine, or he may keep going back to that spot, and this will create a habit you do not want. 

Paper training for younger pups is recommended. A small room such as a laundry room is ideal. Cover the floor with newspaper and give him no access to other areas at night or when you are away. He will sleep and eat there until he shows that preference for one spot. 

By following these simple techniques, housebreaking a puppy can be a stress free time for you and your dog. When you move on to other training, keep each session between five and ten minutes long to avoid fatigue. Basic commands such as sit, shake, down and come are the easiest for a dog to learn. Make sure he knows his name and use it before making a command so he knows it is directed at him. He will also associate your hand signals with spoken words: pointing to the ground while saying down. This is really how they learn. 

Be sure to include plenty of play time and a few treat rewards too! 

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By Danny Taylor