House Breaking your New Puppy

If you follow these directions completely, you'll not only have your puppy housebroken quickly and easily, but he will be trained to use only one place in your yard as his bathroom.

When you get him home today, take him directly to the place in your yard that you want him to use, put him down and say, "Okay, hurry up" several times to encourage him to go.  You are actually teaching him to go on command.  Once he goes, make a big fuss over him, letting him know how pleased you are that he had that tingly sensation in that spot. 

 Take him in and out of the same door, so that he will learn to ask to go out and come in the same door. While he is in the house, if you can't be in the same room watching him, confine him to a crate, large box or a leash on the door. Most dogs won't mess where they have to lay in it.  Maybe an accident or two, but they learn very quickly that it's not fun lay in. 

 Don't give him free access to food and water until he completely housebroken. Offer food and water and when he is done, take him out, as they usually go within a few minutes of eating or drinking.  Offer water between feedings, but be sure to take him out afterwards.  Take him out often during the day. If you puppy usually has to go outside every 2 hours, set a timer for an hour and a half to assure the puppy has the best chance to make it outside without an accident.  A final trip outside should be the last thing you do before going to bed.  In the morning, getting your puppy outside should be your first thought, as he will really have to go!  Be sure his last feeding is early enough in the evening, so he has a chance to go out at least two or three times before final bedtime. 

If he has an accident in the house and you see him doing it, but can't get to him physically, get to him verbally with NO!!  Shame on you, bad dog!". Quickly take the puppy outside to his potty area then put him down and encourage him to go with "Okay, hurry up".  If he goes again, let him know enthusiastically how good he is!  You are trying to get him to think "Oh, when I have that tingly sensation out here, she really likes me; but, when I have the same sensation in the house, she doesn't like me." It's the feeling, not the puddle or pile, they learn to control.

 If your pup has an accident and walks away before you notice, it's too late for you to do anything.  Simple take him out and hope there is more to finish up. Rubbing his nose in it only makes him unsure of you.  He thinks, "Why is she rubbing my nose in this wet stuff?  Better watch her!  She may do something mean or crazy any minute!" As far as he knows, it's Kool-Aid you put there.  If you never let your puppy have an accident, he'll never realize he can.  He'll just accept the tingly sensation as happening outside.  Most important, be persistent and patient.  You can housebreak a puppy in three days or less, if you keep at it.  Don't get mad at him because you haven't remembered to put him out lately!  GOOD LUCK!