Housetraining Guide

One of the first things your puppy needs to learn is where to eliminate and where not. Little piles and puddles all over the house can seriously disturb the dog-owner relationship. There are several methods of housetraining:

Conventional Training (yard or curb)

Paper or Pad Training

Litter Box Training

I do not believe in the use of paper or so called puppy pads, or any other method that teaches the dog to eliminate indoors, unless this is what you want your dog to do for the rest of it’s life. The field of application for these methods is rather limited. Therefore I will focus here on the conventional method.

The most essential aspect of housetraining is to keep the puppy under observation. Young puppies have to eliminate often, up to 8 – 10 times a day (and during the night). If an 8-week-old pup has to go, it really has to go. The control over bladder and bowels is extremely limited at this age.

Start by setting up a schedule. Here’s an example:

First thing in the morning after waking.

15 – 30 minutes after each meal.

After play or other excitement.

When you come home from work or school.

Early evening.

Just before bedtime.

During the night (as necessary).

The puppy will usually show you that it has to eliminate by walking in small circles and sniffing the floor. Always take the puppy to the same location. This helps forming the habit and makes the cleanup much easier. Mark the location with a cue word, such as “Outside”, “Go potty” or whatever you feel comfortable with. Keep the puppy in an indoor kennel or tethered in a social area if you cannot supervise him to avoid any mistakes. When you take the pup outside, give him a maximum of ten minutes to “go”. If he doesn’t eliminate in this time frame, take him back to the kennel. Try again after 15 minutes. If the puppy eliminates now in the specified location, make sure you give it lots of praise. I even give my puppies a very small treat, right after they done their business. Remember, consistency is the key. Depending on age and breed it can take up to 6 month to completely housetrain a puppy. If you followed all these steps and the puppy is not housebroken after 6 month, consider visiting your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions.

How should you deal with mistakes? As with most undesired behaviors, do not punish the puppy after the event has taken place. Consider the limited association span of a dog. Never hit, shake or shout at the puppy. It will destroy the bond between you. Do not rub it’s nose in the mess. This is not only cruel but will teach your puppy to eliminate out of your sight.

If you catch the puppy in the act, run to him shouting “Oh, my gosh!” and bring him outside immediately. Once outside act thoroughly relieved and encourage the puppy with your cue word. Don’t forget to give lots of praise as he “goes”.

Make sure to clean up any mess in the house with a non-ammoniated cleanser. Your pet supply store will have several products to offer. It is important to remove the scent, since dogs have a natural tendency to relieve themselves in the same spot again.