| We’d love to hear additional tips people have found successful for house-training…The most common requests for information that we get from people who have recently purchased puppies are those concerning housebreaking. Originally, we were going to include a list of related links; however, upon further scrutiny, we decided that it might be best to simply include the techniques or recommendations that have worked best for us.
Preliminary: Breeder: Obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder in an effort to ensure that you are purchasing a healthy puppy from someone who is in a position to provide background information on the puppy’s parents, grandparents, etc. Or if you get a puppy from rescue, try to learn as much information as you can about his upbringing and background. Diet: Provide a proper diet using a high quality food and avoid sudden changes in diet. Large amounts of ‘treats’ can be considered a sudden change in diet, as well. Vet: Ensure adequate veterinary care for your puppy. Sometimes, difficulty in house training can be as a result of an underlying condition such as kidney problems, blood sugar, urinary tract infection, cystitis, parasites, etc. Control: Keep your puppy within reach. You should keep the puppy in your sight at all times. The bottom line is that there is no such thing as your puppy having an ‘accident.’ If you aren’t watching your puppy – it is your fault. Whenever possible, have the leash and collar on your puppy, even in the house, and keep him with you. If he starts to ‘go’ in the house, apply a correction to the leash and tell him ‘STOP!’ Take him outside right away – even if he finishes in the house. By keeping him within your reach on a leash, you can apply the correction instantly. You won’t need to chase him around the house! Use the crate. If you can’t have the puppy right under your feet, then he should be in his crate. Make sure that he isn’t hungry, thirsty, or in need of a restroom break before putting him in. The crate is not a punishment. Take the collars and leashes off while he is inside the crate. If he relieves himself inside of the crate, use the odor neutralizers and clean him up, but don’t punish him. They will learn to look at the crate like a den if properly trained. See the crate training link above. Training: Consistency is the key. When you take him outside, always use the same door. Try to use the same procedures for getting his leash and collar, etc. Be prepared to stay outside, even if the weather is inclement. Select a specific area to be used for that purpose and stand in one place. Your puppy will be distracted by moving around to different places and may forget why he is outside. Wait until he is completely done relieving himself (wait a few minutes afterwards to be sure) and praise him! Allow 10 -15 minutes for him to go. If he doesn’t, then go back inside and closely watch for signs that he may need to go outside again (after eating, napping, before exercise time). Set a kitchen timer or alarm clock to remind yourself to take him outside on a regular schedule – and no more than three hours from his last time out. After he has gone, allow him to play and exercise. Only after he has gone at least 3-4 months without any messes will he be trained. |
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