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Housebreaking a Puppy
Although there are many different methods of housebreaking a
puppy or housetraining, it is an essential task that should be
addressed early on in the pup’s formative weeks. Most dog owners
who wish to bring a new puppy into their home between six and nine
weeks of age; this is the time to begin establishing rules and routines
of housebreaking a puppy with the new member of your family.
Dogs are relatively clean animals and housebreaking a puppy can
usually be accomplished in a short amount of time without extensive
input on your part. You must remember that this youngster is
adjusting to his new environment. When housebreaking a puppy, you
have to remember young puppies have little control over their bowels
or bladders and by their nature, animals go when they need to go.
Waiting to relieve themselves outdoors is a learned behavior and as
such must be taught. Anxiety from being separated from their mother
and littermates, introduction into new surroundings, overexcitement,
being frightened and marking instincts may all cause a pup to
spontaneously urinate from time to time.
There are many different tips and techniques for housebreaking a
puppy - some of which are controversial, for these purposes we will
briefly outline the basics.
Most people will designate an area such as the kitchen or laundry
room as the place to confine their new puppy. These areas will
usually have linoleum flooring, making it much easier to clean if an
accident does occur when housebreaking a puppy. Some
recommend "paper training" the pup, however, others argue that this
can confuse the dog, making him think it is okay to eliminate in the
house.
When housebreaking a puppy is often a good idea to introduce
him/her to a crate. A quick tip on crates; most dogs will not eliminate
in their crates unless left for too long a period of time. The crate will
basically become the dog’s "den" and needs to become the pup’s
"safe place." Therefore, never use the crate as a punishment. Be
calm when approaching your pup to remove him from the crate or
confined area. If you excite him, he is more likely to urinate before
you get him outside.
While housebreaking a puppy designate an outside area specifically
for your dog to eliminate or not is up to you, but take your pup out
often and give him plenty of praise immediately after he does void!
Wherever the pup relieves himself, that area should be kept relatively
clean, as leaving feces in an area can attract other dogs and
increase the spread of parasites. Dogs are creatures of habit; they
like regimentation and will quickly adapt to a schedule. It is therefore
important to establish these routines as early as possible and stick to
them. You must also learn to read your dog and be aware of his
individual needs. Most dogs will display their own individual signals
when they are ready to go. Sniffing the floor, circling an area, staring
at you or the door, whining or barking can all be indicators to inform
you that he needs to relieve himself.
As in all dog training, housebreaking a puppy is a process that
requires time and commitment on your part. Above all, remember that
being patient and using common sense and consistency will make
housebreaking a puppy and other training drills much easier to
accomplish for both of you.