Housebreaking Your New Puppy

Paper Training
Using this method you will put down papers or pre-treated wee wee pads. The chemical that this pad is treated with will encourage your puppy to use this area for going to the bathroom. With this method, whenever you see your puppy sniffing the ground, that is a good indication that he may be ready to do his thing. You should put him down on the pad and praise him whenever he uses the pad.

If all goes well and your puppy is consistently using the pad, you should then begin to move the pad outside. Eventually you will eliminate all the inside pads and have the puppy only use the outside.
While initially this seems like a simpler way to train your puppy, you must be aware of the fact that it will take longer to train the puppy and many puppies never make the connection between the pad being inside or outside. I have never recommended this method because I feel it gives the dog permission to soil in the house.

Crate Training
This method uses a crate or cage to confine the dog. It should be a crate only large enough for the dog to turn around and lay down comfortable with enough room for a blanket and a toy or two, the theory being that a dog will not want to soil their own space. It is amazing how well this method works.
During the housebreaking period, whenever your puppy can not be watched he must be confined in his crate. Do this not only when you are away from home, but when you are busy doing chores or any activity during which you can not give your puppy your undivided attention. Just remember to take your puppy outside to relieve himself BEFORE putting him into the crate and take him outside again as soon as you remove him from the crate. Never put food or water in the crate as this will cause accidents.
Most people do not realize how beneficial this method is both for you and your dog. It not only protects your home from accidental soiling, it keeps your puppy safe and out of harm's way when you can not give him supervision. It also teaches the puppy that just because he feels the urge to urinate or defecate doesn't mean he has to do it that second. He learns to hold it until the proper time. Dogs that are crate trained during puppy hood tend to have good life long habits.

Constant Supervision
With this method there are no papers, pads or crates. It is up to you to spend as much time as necessary to insure that the dog has no accidents. As soon as your puppy exhibits signs of needing to relieve himself (sniffing the ground or squatting) you pick him up an hustle him outside, then praise him lavishly for making it out on time. As soon as the dog is finished you bring him back inside. No playing. The dog must get the idea that the only purpose for going out was to do his business!
Although this method is probably the best, it is also the most time consuming and unrealistic for most people. It will only work for retired people or those who have unlimited time to spend with their dog. The whole thing depends solely on you and you must limit the mistakes to very few if you want this method to be successful.

1. Follow a strict feeding schedule. This will help you anticipate your puppy's needs. Take him out 10-30 minutes after each meal.


2. Take your puppy out every 2 hours, or more frequently if he seems to be having trouble holding it.


3. Gives tremendous praise each time he succeeds.


4. If you are not using a crate, be sure to confine your puppy to a small room or area of the house that is free of any dangers (electrical cords, small objects, etc.) when you can't be supervising him.  A puppy is just like a toddler or small child and needs your protection.


5. Take your dog out First thing in the morning, before you do anything else!


6. Take your dog out last thing before you go to bed at night.


7. Make sure to clean up after any accidents thoroughly! Use a special cleaner designed for removing pet odors, if your dog smells the odor of urine or feces he will be tempted to soil in this spot again.

 

1. Who will serve as the main caretaker?  No matter how many time your children have begged for a puppy, vowing that they will take complete responsibility for his care, you must realize that the responsibility for care and training of a puppy will lay with the adults in the household.


2. How much daily exercise will we give our dog?  Some people will be happy to take their dogs on long walks daily while others will simply wish to let their dogs out in the yard. Decide what breed of dog will be best for your level of committment to daily exercise.


3. What are our favorite activities? Families who enjoy outdoor activities might do well with sporting or herding breed of dog. Families that tend to enjoy indoor activities might fare better with a small, smooth coated breed of dog that prefers to stay indoors.


4. Where do we live? Don't expect a large breed, high energy dog to be content in a small city apartment.


5. How much do we travel? Families who travel allot may decide to take their dog along. Their are many excellent guides written on how to travel with your dog as wells as lists of pet friendly vacation destinations. If you do not intend to travel with your dog you must arrange for appropriate care for him while you are away. In the past many pets were shuffled of the local vet's office to board during family vacations. This is a poor idea as your dog will be confined to a small space for the duration of your trip as well as be exposed to pets that are sick or under stress. These days there are many better alternatives that offer cageless boarding in a stress free environment.


6. Can we afford to take care of a dog? Responsible dog ownership requires allot more than a bowl of kibble and some clean water. Veterinary care is expensive. Not only must you give your dog routine care and vaccination, you must be prepared to care for your dog should he become sick or injured. Even a healthy young dog can create unexpected vet bills. (Be sure to read Guinness' story below) Consider pet insurance before bringing your dog home.