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Keeping your house spic and span with an untrained puppy is virtually impossible. If not properly trained both you and your puppy will not be happy. Housebreaking your puppy is the first training you should do. Start off with a schedule and be consistent. As creatures of habit, it is in their nature to keep schedules as pack animals.

Puppies Age To Start Housebreaking

When your puppy reaches the age of 8 to 12 weeks old, it’s high time to begin housebreaking. Remember the saying that old dogs can’t learn new tricks? It is true so why take chances?

Crate Training

Dog trainers suggest using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is like a cage, with see-through bars and a locking door. Its size should accommodate well the dogs size for it to move around in. It should be used like a dog’s bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for more than two hours at a time.

Crate training is used for training because dogs generally will not soil their sleeping area. Puppy’s at the age of 3 months old will have to eliminate every 3 hours, therefore, you should take your puppy outside more often. If you leave the puppy in the crate longer than that, he is sure to have an accident.

Get Your Puppy Used To Routines

When it is time to take your dog out doors to eliminate be sure to use one door only. This way he will use that door to let you know he needs to go outside.

Taking the puppy out at the same time everyday will help your dog to get into a routine. This will help him to learn to hold it in until you are available.

Your Puppy Will Give You Clues

If your un-housebroken dog is accustomed to roaming freely around the house, search for signs that show you he needs to do it. Be really observant enough of his behavior, i.e., heavy sniffing, circling an area, staring at the door with an intense look on his face, etc. If you catch him WHILE doing it, stop him with a quick grab of his collar and pull it up while saying “No” using your deep, stern tone (don’t forget to use a deep, gruff voice when stating commands). Then, take him outside and let him finish what he is doing. Lastly, pat him on his head while saying “Good (his name)!” It is a must to make your dog get used to being praised whenever he does anything that makes you proud. Giving him food as a reward when he does his business in the appropriate spot can help, too.

Patience is a Big Virtue

If you want the housebreaking to go as quickly and smoothly as possible, you as the dog owner, must have patience. In time it will come.

Common Sense Goes A Long Way

Common Sense will help you and your dog while housebreaking. Stick to a routine, do not give him water before bed, to not ignore the clues.

Aside from patience and common sense, consistency is also one of the important factors of this dog training activity. If you suddenly forget about the routines yourself, don’t blame if your dog if he starts committing accidents more often. Remember that the stakes are high. If you would like succeed in this housebreaking feat or just about in any other training drills, don’t treat it as a game. Allot enough time and commitment on your part.

Best of luck!

Tags: Dogs

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