House breaking a puppy should start immediately, just after you bring him home. Even if he is only 7 or 8 weeks old, he wants to please you so it's important to use puppy housebreaking training methods that will help him develop the correct behavior. He will have no trouble deciding where to eliminate if you don't choose for him. This, of course, is unacceptable. It is up to you to communicate what his only option is. Puppies will learn very quickly when they are clear about what is expected of them.
Dogs have a natural instinct not to eliminate in their den area and, because of their strong sense of smell, are attracted to areas where they or others have eliminated before. You can exploit these natural tendencies in several ways.
Puppy crate training is undoubtedly the best way to take advantage of these natural instincts and basically involves using a plastic dog carrier 'crate' as the pup's sleep area and place of security. You should get him used to being alone in the crate for short periods of time so that he comes to think of it as his refuge and is comfortable sleeping there.
The second way to use his natural instincts is to read the signs that he wants to go, i.e. your puppy is circling and smelling around, and then to react quickly by picking him up and taking him to the designated spot to eliminate.
The familiar smells in the specified area and your alert and consistent act of getting him immediately to the area will help him get the idea quickly. You will be even more successful if you are observant and pay attention to when he is most likely to go. Be ready to take him out when he awakens, after playing or exercise, and after he eats or drinks.
The most important training, of course, is housebreaking. Boys are easier than girls because exploring outside is their favorite thing. All the fun new smells are so exciting to him!
The number one priority to house training your puppy is Never Take Your Eyes Off Him. Watch your puppy AND the clock. Once every hour is not too often on a day he is active and the weather is good. The younger the pup, the more often he needs to go out, mostly because he is growing so fast. He must drink more water to fuel his metabolism than he does as an adult. Also, since he eats three or four times a day, you know what that means.
Watch him for subtle changes. When he is chewing a toy, and he jumps up suddenly with his nose at the floor, you must move quickly! He is ready to squat! If he has had a nice nap, get him out of his crate and outside right away. If he has just had a good grooming, it stimulates his circulation and guess what? Time to go out again. And of course after a meal, watch him extra close.
Things to remember: Do not punish him for mistakes. They are YOUR fault. Every time you take him out he will go, and praise praise and praise! Happy face, laughter, happy noises! He loves your happy face. When he makes a mistake, your frown and your face turned away from him is all the punishment he needs. He will get the point.
While he is learning your language, tell everyone in your family to use the phrases you have chosen over and over. "Good go potty!" "Hafta go potty?" "Wanna go potty?" He can learn in one afternoon that "go potty" means a jaunt outside and your happy face. Whatever phrase you choose, stick with it.
I cannot recommend strongly enough getting a crate. They truly help with all phases of his training. They make him more secure, provide him with his very own private space and a place for him to hide his favorite toys and chewies. This is even more important if you have other adult dogs in the house. ---Be consistent, always be kind and gentle, and be patient as he learns your language, and your puppy will always look forward to his training sessions. Dogs love to work!
Both Ira Nelson & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ira Nelson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Puppies Dogs, Make Money Online. To learn more about house breaking a puppy and what blunders and pitfalls to avoid go to Trying to. Ira Nelson's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
has sinced written about articles on various topics from . . 's top article . to your Favourites.