Using these guidelines a puppy of six to eight weeks
can be housebroken within a couple of weeks. Any mistakes the dog makes
after that will be your mistakes, and you should consult our clinic
for more information.
Housebreaking depends upon the instinct of dogs to keep their
bed clean. You can make use of this instinct by creating a sort
of home "den" for them. Dogs are "den animals." Their
own private place gives them a sense of security. Confinement is
not cruel unless abused.
Do this by constructing or obtaining a box that will have a door
or lid on it with adequate ventilation holes. The box should be
big enough for the puppy to turn about in and even to lie at full
length, but no larger. The lid, or door, is required to keep the
puppy from climbing out. Airline crates work well
A puppy does not want a mess in his bed and then sleep in it!
He might get caught the first night, but he won’t the second.
However, if the box is so large that he can relieve himself in
one end and sleep in the other, he will do so.
Remember that on the very first day it is important to start giving
the puppy all his naps in the box. Puppies sleep 75% of the time.
When the puppy awakens from his nap, you immediately lift him out
of the box and carry him outside to a spot that you previously
have selected.
You must take him to this spot before and after play; always when
he awakens from a nap; and always the first thing in the morning
and last thing at night. You must never "just put him out." Instead,
you must take him to this spot, urge him to go, and PRAISE him
when he does. Within a week, you’ll have him going on command.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
A dog can only understand scolding and praise if it occurs within
a half second of the event you are trying to control. Catching
a puppy "in the act" is the best time to scold or praise.
After the event has occurred, it is too late to scold, or praise,
because the puppy will associate your feedback with whatever he
is doing at the time, not ten minutes before. Rubbing his nose
in his mistakes is a worthless technique and only confuses the
dog.
Dogs need to relieve themselves after eating, sleeping and playing.
Feed your puppy the same time every day. This will help keep the
dog’s digestive system regular and it will be easier to predict
when he needs to go out.
Start housetraining on a weekend when everyone will be home and
able to help. If mistakes happen, clean it up well and spray an
odor neutralizer on the wet spot and rub it in well.
Good luck and please consult our clinic if you are having any
difficulties in housebreaking your puppy.
