6 Steps for Easy Puppy Housebreaking

There are a lot of methods associated with puppy housebreaking. Some of you may have heard of the newspaper training method, while some may be more familiar with the crate training method. All this may seem confusing at first, but the truth is, combining a little bit of each of these methods can undoubtedly lead to successful puppy housebreaking. To make things easier, here are six simple steps to follow.

1. Make a schedule

Start the puppy housebreaking process by taking your puppy out as often as you can to places where it can conveniently relieve itself. But eventually you must set up a schedule by choosing specific times of the day to do this. A typical schedule would be first thing in the morning, after each meal, mid-day, and before bedtime. In addition, establish a feeding schedule as randomly giving food to your puppy throughout the day can make it more vulnerable to "accidents." Once you establish these schedules, stick with them.

2. Set up an elimination area in your home

For times that you have to leave your puppy unsupervised, set up some space for it in your home. This can be a crate or a confined space with non-absorbent flooring. Dogs instinctively try not to eliminate where they sleep so make sure that there is enough space for it to have a sleeping area and an elimination area. You can either use a training pad or some newspaper for this. Remember that this is only for unavoidable circumstances; as much as you can, stick to your schedule of taking your dog out of the house.

3. Watch for signs

Take it as your cue to let your puppy out once it starts sniffing the floor or turns around in circles. Other signs to watch out for are if your puppy stands by the door, scratches the door, or barks at it.

4. Use verbal cues

In puppy housebreaking you must use a command word whenever your puppy does the deed so that it can learn to associate it with the action. Keep it short to avoid confusion and be consistent with its use. Common words used are "go" or "do your thing."

5. Reward and punish effectively

Reward your puppy right after it eliminates in the proper area by giving it treats, praising it, or providing playtime. Never make the mistake of scolding your puppy for an "accident" unless you catch it in the act because your puppy may not understand what it is being punished for. If you do catch it in the act, simply make a loud noise to distract it and take your puppy outside to continue on with its business.

6. Monitor

The only way to make sure that your puppy is learning is to spend as much time with it as possible. Bear in mind that in puppy housebreaking you must have the patience to make your puppy understand what you want from it by creating opportunities for it to succeed.