Owner's Guide to Housetraining a Puppy

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     When you adopt a puppy, one of the first lessons you'll need to teach him is to avoid eliminating inside your home. Chances are, he won't know he is doing something wrong unless you set the expectation. Keep in mind that most puppies under three months have not yet learned to maintain control over their bladders and bowels. You'll have better success in housetraining your pup if you start the process as early as possible.

This article will offer a short, easy-to-implement guide to housebreaking your puppy. It is important to use a consistent, methodical approach that is easy for your dog to understand. It is also important to remain patient, and control your responses in the event he has a few accidents along the way.

Establish A Routine

When it comes to housetraining, puppies need a schedule to guide them. For this reason, set a routine from the beginning. Feed him at the same times each day; take him outside at the same times; take him on his daily walks according to a consistent schedule. This helps his body become acclimated to eliminating at predictable times. It also helps your puppy understand that going outside is a prerequisite to urinating or defecating.

Keep A Watchful Eye

Make sure you keep your pup near you as much as possible. You'll need to watch him closely in order to prevent him from having an accident. While observing him, learn to identify the signs that indicate he is getting ready to eliminate.

Most puppies (and even adult dogs) will begin sniffing the ground. They may also walk back and forth, or in a pattern. These are telltale signs that a canine is preparing to use the bathroom. When you observe your puppy doing these things, immediately pick him up, and take him outside.

Crating Your Pup When You Are Unable To Watch Him

There will be times when you cannot watch your pup. In such cases, put him in his crate. Most puppies and adult dogs will avoid soiling their crates unless they have little choice. Thus, it serves as a good housetraining tool that teaches puppies the ability to withstand the urge to eliminate.

When you crate your puppy, make sure you avoid leaving him confined for more than a few hours. He will not be able to hold his bladder or bowels. If he is trapped in his crate for longer than four hours, expect an accident.

Establish A Verbal Cue

Verbal cues improve the level of communication between you and your puppy when he needs to go outside. A simple "potty?" will alert him that you are giving him an opportunity to relieve himself. The key is being consistent in your use of the cue. That is, once you begin to use "potty?" as the prompt, avoid using any other word for this purpose.

Each time your puppy successfully goes to the bathroom outside, praise him. This lets him know that he is doing exactly what you wish.

How To Respond To Accidents

Accidents will occur. They are inevitable. While being housetrained, puppies must grow accustomed to controlling their urge to eliminate, and do so while conforming to their owners' wishes. In the beginning, this is a difficult task.

If you see your pup having an accident, don't yell at him or punish him. Many owners will hit their dogs, believing that doing so is the best way to discourage future accidents. In reality, this type of response is just as likely to make their canines fear them. Instead, pick up your pup, tuck his tail underneath his body, and take him outside. Then, use the established verbal cue to encourage him to finish his business. When he does so, praise him.

Housetraining a puppy requires plenty of patience. Moreover, the younger he is, the more patience you'll need. Before long, however, he'll learn to eliminate outside at the appropriate times.