Housebreaking your puppy is the most important training you must provide for your puppy. Dogs are pack animals and they do keep to a schedule. Therefore, it is important to try to keep them on the same routine every day. Having your puppy trained will keep both you as the human and the puppy happy.
Ideal Housebreaking Age
It is best to start housebreaking your puppy when he/she reaches 8 to 12 weeks of age.
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.
The reasoning behind using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs will not dirty their sleeping areas. However, he may do so if you lock him in somewhere for longer than he can hold it in. Never use a crate to punish your dog, it will backfire. Generally, pups that are three-months old must eliminate every 3 hours, so you should lead him to a special outdoor comfort place more often.
Make Your Puppy Learn Routines
When the training has progressed he will scratch on the door to let you know when he needs to go out. Therefore, during the training process be sure to use the door you want him use.
Taking your pup out at around the same times every day will be very beneficial for the both of you. This will help in establishing a routine, and will make him learn to hold it in until you become available to take him out.
It Is Your Responsibility To Look For 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, Patience, Patience
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 Makes a Lot of Sense
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.
In order to succeed in housebreaking your puppy patience and consistency is of vital importance. If for some reason you are not able to stick to the routine and your puppy has an accident don’t blame him just get back into that routine as soon as possible. It will take a lot of time and commitment on your part but don’t give up.
Best of luck!
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