Many people are not prepared or simply underestimate how tough housebreaking a puppy can be. Unfortunately, many people make this process harder than it has to be. As soon as you bring this new member of your family home, you will need to begin this process. With a clear understanding of the situation and a bit of preparation, you can get the issue under control as quickly as possible.
There are many different opinions on the best way to train your dog. The main reason for this is that different species of dogs have differing attitudes. Some dogs are simply stubborn and will require extra patience, while other species may pick up the process quite easily. If you haven’t chosen a puppy yet, this might be worth taking into consideration.
Puppies, especially before 12 weeks of age, have a very hard time controlling their bowels and bladder. In time they will develop more control, but accidents are a certainty in the beginning. You need to approach this process with the proper mindset of understanding and patience. You will also need to exhibit consistency with your demeanor and techniques. Also understand that genetics, attitude, and temperament will play a big part in the issue. Some dogs simply pick up the habit better than others, which is something to consider when selecting a dog.
An important early step in this process is setting a schedule and sticking too it. When you wake in the morning, immediately take the puppy outside to use the bathroom. Puppies generally wake up with a need to urinate, so take advantage of this by anticipating this need to go and equating it with going outside. Also set an eating schedule and take your puppy outside immediately after he or she eats. This is another typical time when a dog will need to use the bathroom. Anticipation and preparation is ideal, so keep these important moments in mind.
Be mindful of your puppy’s activity, namely sniffing, circling the floor, hovering in corners and general pacing. These are clear signs that the dog may need to go, so immediately take it outside. When you catch the puppy making a mistake, give it a stern “no” and quickly take it outside. Never hit your dog or resort to other cruel, ineffective techniques. Also, never punish a dog unless you have specifically caught it using the bathroom inside. If you find the mistake after the fact, there is no reason to punish the dog, as it will not understand exactly what the punishment is for, further confusing the pooch.
Many people utilize kennels and puppy pads. Dogs generally do not want to use the bathroom in a small area like a kennel, making them ideal for times when you leave the house. If you are gone for more than 4-6 hours, the dog may have no choice but to relieve itself, so be prepared for this. Be sure to take the dog outside before you leave and after you get home. Puppy pads are also a great tool for teaching a puppy to use the bathroom outside. An interesting trick is slowly and methodically moving the pad toward the door. Eventually, the dog will automatically go to the door when it needs to go.
Housebreaking a puppy can be particularly difficult for some people, while relatively easy for others. However, if you approach the issue with patience and understanding, you will eventually succeed in this process. Immediately begin developing a schedule to help everyone involved. Also consider purchasing a dog kennel and puppy pads. A bit of anticipation and preparation can make this training much simpler.
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