Recently, I've gotten a lot of inquiries about housebreaking puppies. This topic seems to be a great source of stress for puppy owners, especially for first-timers.
Here are my top tips for making housebreaking a breeze for you and your puppy:
(1) CRATE TRAINING: A crate is a wonderful tool to use in housebreaking. Used properly, your puppy will soon understand that his crate is a safe, quiet place to rest and he will be unlikely to soil it.
Purchase a crate of appropriate dimensions for your puppy at his current size, not his predicted adult height and weight. The puppy's crate should be large enough for him to lie down, stand up, and turn around easily, but not so large as to provide him with so much room that he can create a "den" area and a "toilet" area. If your puppy's size will increase dramatically, choose a crate that will allow you to section off the back portion of the crate while he is still small.
(2) NO "FREE-FEEDING": Feed your puppy several small meals each day. Do this on a set schedule instead of allowing him to nibble on food throughout the day. Knowing when your puppy is likely to move his bowels will help you to set him up for successful housebreaking.
(3) LIMIT WATER INTAKE BEFORE BED-TIME:To decrease the number of times your puppy will need to urinate in the middle of the night, take up his water bowl two hours before his scheduled bed-time.
(4) GET INTO THE ROUTINE:It is important to give your puppy opportunities to potty immediately after he wakes up, after play sessions, and after eating or drinking. These are the times when your puppy is most likely to urinate.
(5) WATCH FOR SIGNS: Most puppies will begin to circle, sniffing the ground for a good potty spot when they are going to potty. At the first hint that he needs to go outside, drop what you're doing and take him. If you're a moment to late and your puppy has begun to pee, pick him up with his tail tucked under and chances are he will stop midstream.
(6) ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE: Keep your puppy within sight at all times when he is awake. Many people swear by tethering the puppy to them by means of a long leash to help them keep an eye on little ones who aren't housebroken. Even if you choose not to tether, don't let your puppy wander through your home at will. If you can't see him, you may not realize he needs to go outside.
(7) CLEANIN' DEMON: Clean up accident sites ASAP. Use a product formulated specifically for dogs. I love Nature's Miracle, which helps to break down the enzymes that cause smell and eliminate the scent that tells your puppy he's found an acceptable potty spot. If you'd rather go all natural, vinegar and baking soda may do the trick.
(8) DON'T RUSH: If your puppy doesn't potty immediately when you go outside, don't assume he doesn't need to go. Be patient. It may take as long as 10-15 minutes before you get results.
(9) EXERCISE IS KEY: Physical activity will stimulate your puppy's urge to potty. If he shows reluctance to go, take him for a walk. If he hasn't had all of his puppy vaccinations yet, walk him around your yard.
(10) DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH: The rule-of-thumb is that a puppy is able to hold his bladder for one hour per month of age. Your 8 week old puppy is physically incapable of going without a potty break overnight. Setting an alarm clock to sound every two hours during the night is a good way to make sure your puppy has plenty of chances to potty overnight.
(11) SAY THE WORD: Use a particular phrase when your puppy potties. "Go potty," "Do your business," and "Hurry, hurry" are some of the ones used by dog owners of my acquaintance. Used consistently over time, the phrase will become a cue for your puppy to go. This is especially helpful during foul weather or when you're running behind schedule and need your puppy to go as quickly as possible.
(12) VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE: Accustom your puppy to pottying on as many different surfaces as possible. Grass. Gravel. Bare dirt. Potty pads. Brick. Concrete. Blacktop. These are all places your puppy may have to use one day. This is especially important if your plan to travel with your puppy.
(13) BE POSITIVE! Reward your puppy lavishly when he potties in appropriate places. NEVER punish him when he makes mistakes. He won't understand why you're upset and the only thing accomplished by rubbing your puppy's nose in his mess is to make him afraid of you.
(14) RING THE BELLS: Buying a set of jingle bells to put on your doorknob is a great way to train your puppy to actively notify you when he needs to go outside. You will have to show him what to do. Ring the bells before you open the door every time your puppy goes out for a potty break. You may be surprised how quickly he associates the two and begins to ring the bells when he needs to go outside.
Have more tips to share? I'd love to hear them :)
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