Housebreaking a Puppy

Question
Harry,

Thanks for the quick and informative reply. I feel confident that I am able to adopt a puppy because of your kind words!  My next question is, what happens when I have to work a full day and leave the puppy at home? I don't know anyone who doesn't have a 9-5 and over schedule who could help me out and I'm certain the puppy can't last that long.  Is my only solution to come home on my lunch break?

Crating sounds like the perfect housebreaking method and I will be sure to read more about it. Thanks so much!
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Followup To

Question -
Hi there, you seem like the person to ask! I'm thinking of getting a puppy as a pet and I've been reading heartily up on all puppy material that I can get my hands on. My question is that I have an erratic work schedule, it varies from 4 hours a day to 8 the next and I have different days off. Will this be an issue when housebreaking my new puppy? I just wonder how people who work end up training their puppies. I can take my pup out morning and night but during the day, what can I do? If I crate the puppy and leave a puppy pad in the corner, I suppose that would be a bad idea because it wouldn't learn outside/inside bathroom breaks...

I'd like some input because I'm hoping I can work around my schedule but still provide proper training for the puppy.

Any advice? And for reference, I plan to get a puppy that is at least 3 months old already.

Thank you!

Answer -
Hi Julia,

Your erratic work schedule has some good points and some bad points when equating it to house breaking your future puppy.

I'm happy to hear that you've been reading several books relating to puppy's. It sounds like your well prepared, thinking through the good and the bad and, in short, you are ready to go.

I urge you to housebreak your future puppy using a crate. You can find plenty of information about the procedure either in a book store or on the web.

The important thing to remember is that the crate (preferably not enclosed such as an airline crate) is NEVER used as a penalty box. You will get plenty of helpful tips from within the book.

I do suggest, if your schedule allows you to be off two days in a row, to plan to bring your new family member home on the day or evening time prior to the start of your two days off. Obviously, this will allow you to have at least the 48 hour period to begin to condition your puppy. Ideally, if you could swing a third day, better yet.

If you can work faithfully with your puppy over the 48 or 72 hour period; you will have a good head-start on the housebreaking, and should be able to leave him alone in the cage with favorable results. Now, if you can combine the first day back to work after the 48 hour break to be a 4 hour workday, great!

Exercise your puppy frequently and, after each period of play or excitement in the house, immediately take him outside, be patient; and if and when he relieves himself--immediately after, praise him. I mean make a really big fuss over him. And then take him back inside. NOT to the cage, but allow him the run of the house. Also; when you notice he is "sniffing" around and hasn't been outside for a period, play with him a short period to excite him and then take him outside and allow him to relieve himself. Again, plenty of praise.

It is fairly rare that a dog will foul his area when confined to a small cage. If he does, it may mean that the size of the cage is too big. (Refer to your book for sizing).

I do not recommend a puppy pad. You can do it without it and, if fact, your job may be easier.

Rebember, the cage must represent a positive thing to your dog. Again, specific tips will be in the book.

Once you feel the puppy has the idea of what is expected of him, allow him more freedom. You can be successful in a fairly short period of time.

Please let me know how you make out. Again, you seem to have thought it all out and are now ready to start.

Good luck.

Harry
p.s. Be sure to take a fecal sample to the vet and that he is found to be free of worms. Otherwise, that could complicate your interest.  

Answer
Hi Giulia,

The plan, if it can be worked out with your schedule, is to pick up your puppy and bring him home the day or evening before you will have two days off in a row. The third day you will only have to work a four hour day, and then your home.

So, this means that you have spent roughly two and one-half days with the puppy before you have to leave for work. And then, your first day back is only four hours that you'll be away.

If you've been diligent over the period of time you've spent with him on your time off, you will see that he has a good idea of what you expect from him and you should be okay leaving him for the eight hour period. (I don't forsee the need for you to come home on your lunch period, but that's your call).

Just be sure you leave him a safe toy to play with in the crate and water if he wants it. Also; when you come home and see that he has not left you any "gifts", do not make a fuss of him immediately. (Remember, he may have a full bladdder and we don't want your excitement to cause him to go).Instead, take him outside, play with him and, when he relieves himself, really lay on the praise. Let him truly know that you are happy with him.

Keep me advised. I know you can do it. You are determined and prepared.

Harry