The Best Housetraining Tips for Dogs

Housetraining your dog can begin as early as 7 weeks of age. Waiting until it is older only encourages the formation of bad habits. Regardless of the training method you use, certain tips apply. For instance, remove your dog's water bowl at least two and a-half hours prior to bedtime. Take the dog out to relieve itself within 15 minutes of it eating, drinking, waking or playing. Puppies can hold their bladders for roughly the same number of hours as they are months of age. For instance, a 2-month-old puppy can hold it for two hours.

  1. Supervision

    • Keep your dog on a leash in the house while housetraining.

      An effective, but time-consuming, method to housetrain your dog is through constant supervision. Monitor the dog's movements for signs that it needs to go, including circling and sniffing the ground. Take the dog outside on its leash at the first sign. Praise it when it eliminates successfully, then bring it immediately back inside. Do not confuse bathroom time with play time.

    Confinement

    • Confining your dog is recommended until it is housebroken.

      By limiting your dog's access to floor space, it is less likely to eliminate in the area. A crate just big enough for the dog to lie down in is ideal. Always take the dog outside before putting it in the crate and immediately after releasing it. Never have your dog in a crate for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period, including overnight. Crate training can be used in conjunction with the supervision method. If you choose not to use a crate, cordon off a safe area of your laundry room, kitchen or bathroom. Keep the area as small as possible while giving the dog room to move around and lie down.

    Paper

    • Paper training is the least desirable method of housebreaking.

      Newspaper or puppy pads are the method of last resort, as it tells the dog that relieving itself inside is sometimes okay. Watch your dog for the signs that it needs to eliminate. Walk it over to the paper or pad and praise the dog when it is finished going. Move the paper or pad closer to the door once the dog goes to the area on its own. Repeat the process until you move the paper or pad outside. Let your dog see it there. Your dog may paw at the door right away or you may need to watch it and take it outside when it needs to go. Remove the paper or pad altogether when your dog goes outside consistently.

    Accidents

    • Accidents happen, so don't punish your dog for them.

      Never punish your dog for relieving itself inside while you were away. The dog will not understand that you are angry about the accident and may soon fear your return home. If you catch your dog going in the house, make a sharp noise -- but do not yell -- to interrupt. Then escort the dog outside to finish while you clean up. Scaring the dog while it eliminates may result in a fear of going. Always clean the mess out of the dog's view, as it may be taken as a submissive gesture on your part.