Housebreaking your puppy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and a little bit of patience, you can successfully potty train your pup in no time. The first thing to remember is that consistency is key. Establishing a consistent feeding schedule will help regulate your puppy’s bathroom habits and make it easier for you to predict when they need a potty break.
It’s also important to designate a specific potty spot, whether it’s in your backyard or on potty pads indoors, and take your puppy to that spot every time they need to go. When they eliminate in the right spot, be sure to shower them with lots of praise and make it a big deal – positive reinforcement goes a long way in house training.
Additionally, using a crate to create a safe place for your puppy to sleep at night will prevent accidents in the middle of the night and provide them with a sense of security. Finally, remember that accidents are bound to happen, especially with young puppies, so don’t get discouraged. Just clean up the mess using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any lingering odor that may attract your puppy back to the same spot. With the following ten simple steps and some patience, you’ll have your puppy housebroken in no time!
#1 Check for Worms
Before beginning the process of housebreaking your puppy, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a thorough check-up. One of the key things to look out for is the presence of worms.
A puppy with worms may not have full control over their bowels, making it difficult for them to learn and follow the housebreaking routine.
It is essential to address any health issues before embarking on this training journey to ensure that your puppy is healthy and ready to learn. By starting with a clean bill of health, you set your new pup up for success in their housebreaking journey and create a solid foundation for their overall well-being.
#2 Dinner Time
Step 2 in housebreaking your puppy is all about establishing a regular feeding schedule. It’s important to feed your puppy two to three times a day at regular intervals. By doing this, you are not only providing them with the nutrition they need but also setting a routine that will help regulate their elimination time. It’s recommended to feed them a good, low residue food that is easy for their digestive system to handle. Another tip is to pick up the water bowl at night, around 8-9 pm to establish a bedtime routine. This will help prevent accidents during the night and encourage your puppy to hold it until morning. With consistency and patience, your puppy will soon learn the appropriate times and places to eat and eliminate.
#3 Where is the Toilet?
Before you can begin housebreaking your puppy, it’s important to determine which area of the yard will serve as their designated toilet area. This will help establish a routine and give your puppy a consistent place to go. Take your puppy to this spot every two to four hours, especially upon awakening from a nap, after meals, and after exciting times or visits.
Keep an eye out for any signs that your puppy needs to go, such as sniffing or circling, and take them out to their spot immediately if they show these behaviors.
By establishing a designated toilet area and being proactive in taking your puppy there, you can make the housebreaking process much smoother for both of you.
#4 Use a “Potty Word”
Using a “potty word” is an essential step in housebreaking your puppy. When your pup is in the designated bathroom area, it’s important to use a specific word or phrase to encourage them to focus on the task at hand and do their business. This potty word will serve as a cue for your puppy to stay on task and understand what is expected of them. Over time, they will associate this word with the act of going to the bathroom, making it easier for you to communicate with them and reinforce good habits. Consistency is key when using a potty word, so be sure to use the same word or phrase each time you take your puppy out. With patience and repetition, your puppy will soon become housebroken and understand exactly what you mean when you use their potty word.
#5 Praise and Play
Step 5 of housebreaking your puppy involves praising and playing with them after they successfully go to the bathroom in the designated spot. It’s important to show your puppy that they have done something right and to reinforce positive behavior. After they have finished their business, take a moment to play and pet them away from the bathroom area. This helps create a positive association with going outside and reinforces the idea that going in the right place is a good thing. If your puppy sniffs around but doesn’t go, take them back inside and confine them for a few minutes before trying again. This break can help reset their focus and increase the likelihood of success on the next attempt. Remember, positive reinforcement is key when housebreaking your puppy, so be sure to praise and reward them whenever they get it right.
6 Keep a Watchful Eye & Supervise Your Puppy
Step 6 of housebreaking your puppy is to keep a watchful eye on them when you are home. This means being attentive and aware of your puppy’s behavior at all times. It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that they may need to go outside, such as sniffing or circling. If you are unable to closely monitor your puppy, it is recommended to keep them in a crate or confined area where they cannot have accidents in the house. By being vigilant and proactive, you can help ensure that your puppy learns proper bathroom habits and becomes fully housebroken in no time.
#7 Accidents WILL Happen
It’s inevitable that your puppy will have accidents during the training process, but it’s crucial not to punish them after the fact. Punishing your puppy an hour later for an accident will not effectively change their behavior. Instead, if you catch them in the act, clap your hands and firmly say “STOP,” then immediately take them outside to finish their business. Once they complete the task correctly, make sure to praise them for their good behavior. It’s important to note that physical punishment, such as spanking or rubbing their dog’s nose in their waste, will not change their behavior and may only instill fear in them. Positive reinforcement is key when housebreaking your puppy.
#8 Supervision and Good Notes
Keeping track of your puppy’s accidents is an important step in housebreaking them. By taking good notes, you can identify patterns and make adjustments to their schedule accordingly.
Just like humans, puppies have their own internal “clock” that tells them when they need to go to the bathroom. By observing their habits and noting any accidents, you can better predict their behavior and ensure that they are taken outside at the appropriate times.
Taking good notes will also help you track their progress and see how far they’ve come in their housebreaking journey. So grab a notebook and pen, and start documenting your puppy’s bathroom habits for a successful housebreaking experience!
#9 Eliminate the Odor
Step 9 of housebreaking your puppy is all about eliminating the odor. While accidents are bound to happen during the training process, it’s important to clean up any messes promptly and effectively.
However, it’s crucial to avoid using ammonia or products that contain ammonia as they can actually trigger a puppy to pee in the same spot again. Instead, opt for products specifically designed to eliminate pet odors and stains.
These products are formulated to break down the enzymes in urine and remove any lingering scent, discouraging your puppy from revisiting the same spot. By properly addressing accidents and neutralizing odors, you’ll create a clean and fresh environment that supports successful housebreaking.
#10 Be Consistent
Housebreaking a puppy can be a challenging task, but with patience and consistency, it is definitely achievable. The final step in the process is to be consistent with your training and follow the steps outlined above. Remember that housebreaking takes time and every dog learns at their own pace. By maintaining a consistent routine and reinforcing positive behaviors, you will increase your chances of success. Stay patient and persistent, and soon enough, your puppy will be housebroken.
Steps to Housebreak a Puppy – FAQ
What age should I start Potty Training my Puppy?
Potty training your puppy is an important step in their development, and the timing can vary depending on the individual puppy. Generally, it is recommended to start potty training between 6 -12 weeks of age when the puppy has better bladder control and can begin to understand basic commands.
Should I Use Puppy Pads?
Puppy pads can be a useful tool when housebreaking your puppy, but they may not be the best long-term solution. While puppy pads can help in the early stages of training, their use should be gradually phased out to encourage your puppy to go outside for bathroom breaks.
Can I speed up the housebreaking process by using any specific techniques or products?
While there are no specific techniques or products that can guarantee to speed up the housebreaking process, there are some tips to make it more efficient. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and using crate training can help in teaching your puppy to potty outside.
How long does it usually take to housebreak a puppy?
Housebreaking a puppy can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the puppy’s age, breed, and individual temperament. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to successfully housebreaking your puppy.
What are some signs my puppy my need to go to the bathroom
If your puppy is showing signs of restlessness, sniffing around the floor, circling, whining, or suddenly stopping playtime, these could be indicators that they need to go to the bathroom. Puppies have small bladders and need to relieve themselves frequently especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap.
Housebreaking a Puppy – Final Thoughts
Housebreaking your puppy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these ten simple steps, you can set yourself and your pup up for success in no time. Remember, establishing a puppy potty training schedule is the most important first step. Designate a specific potty area and ensure it is the right size for your pup. Timing is key, so make sure to take your puppy outside at the right time, such as after meals or playtime. Be patient and consistent with your puppy’s potty time routine, and don’t forget to reward them for their successes. Setbacks are normal, but with perseverance and positive reinforcement, you’ll overcome them in no time. Soon enough, your puppy will become fully house trained, and you can enjoy a long-lasting bond together in an ideal situation.
Simple Steps to Housebreak Your Puppy Infographic
Marder, Amy. “10 easy steps for housebreaking.” Prevention. 01 Jun. 2001: 179. eLibrary. Web. 13 Jun. 2017
