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Hints for Housebreaking
--Consistency is the key to success--
Designate one area outside as a "potty" area.
Feed at the same time(s) everyday.
Take your puppy out every 2 hours to the "potty" area, whether he/she has eaten or not.
The times that a puppy will most likely want to eliminate are after eating or drinking, after a nap, or after a period of play or vigorous exercise.
Bring the puppy to the designated area—use a leash if the area is not confined. Initially, you want to teach the puppy what the words "go potty" mean. Once the puppy has performed the task at hand, give him/her a treat and lots of hugs and kisses. Moist, flavorful treats may be more of an incentive than the dry kind.
Sometimes a puppy just won’t eliminate—even though you think it’s time. If you’ve been out for more than five minutes but your puppy hasn’t completed the task at hand, take him/her back inside—but do not take your eyes off him/her. Watch for signs that he/she needs to go: circling, pacing, intense sniffing, or a sudden stop in the middle of an activity. The second you see any such signs, get him/her back outside.
In housebreaking your puppy, the two most important concepts for you are WATCH and CONFINE. It is not a good idea to give your new puppy full run of the house; instead, start in a small area like a utility room or a small pen. Don't graduate to a larger area until he/she has proven himself/herself by having no accidents in that area over a period of time. Until then, you must be aware of where your puppy is at every moment.
It’s a good idea to have a puppy crate ready when you bring your new puppy home. It's not cruel to use a crate; it is cruel to constantly reprimand, scold and possibly get physical with the puppy for having an accident inside the house. Make ¼ to ½ of the crate a bed. Always make sure the crate is in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Also, be sure the room temperature stays fairly constant—not too hot or too cold.
NEVER BE PHYSICAL WITH A PUPPY FOR ELIMINATING INSIDE... Being physical with your puppy will make it not want to perform in front of you, and will actually cause the puppy to leave gifts for you out of your sight. Remember that accidents happen, and it's not the end of the world. A good enzymatic cleaner designed to eliminate all traces, including the lingering odor, of an accident is God's gift to new pet owners!!
You can start a very young puppy on puppy pads, but exchange them for formal crate training as soon as possible. Be patient, consistent, and diligent in taking the puppy outside. Regulate what goes into your puppy's tummy, so you can regulate what comes out. WATCH or CONFINE your puppy, gradually extending his/her living area. Clean any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner that will eliminate any traces of the unwanted event. In a matter of weeks, your diligence will pay off—no more accidents!
