Housebreaking Methods

After bringing home a new puppy, one often encounters the issues of housebreaking. This is the process of teaching a dog to potty outdoors instead of in the house. There are several different ways to accomplish this task: crate training, paper training and constant supervision. Each method, implemented consistently, can be effective.

  1. Crate Training

    • When crate training, the owner should purchase a crate only large enough for the dog's bed. The idea is that a dog will not eliminate in their sleeping area. The dog should be kept in the crate anytime he is not being watched -- but not excessively. When the dog is taken out of the crate, he should immediately be taken outside and given at least 10 minutes to eliminate. The owner should not play with him during this time. After the dog has eliminated, the owner should then praise him and play with him before placing the dog back into the crate. Never allow the dog to wander around without supervision.

    Newspaper or Puppy Pad Training

    • If the dog is a small breed, newspaper/puppy pad training may be best. The newspaper/puppy pad should be place in one specific area and never moved. Once the dog has eaten, the owner should place the dog on the newspaper/puppy pad and keep her in that area until she has eliminated. Once she has eliminated, the dog should be praised and played with. Each time the dog begins to sniff around or circle, she should be placed back on the newspaper/puppy pad. The newspaper/puppy pad should only be replaced after every several uses so the dog will recognize the scent of her own elimination. It is a learning tool.

    Schedule Training

    • If the owner will be with the dog throughout the day, schedule training may be the best option. In schedule training, the dog should be taken outside to the same area of grass every 2 to 4 hours. When the dog is taken out, he should be given at least 10 minutes to eliminate. The owner should not play with him during this time. Once the dog has eliminated, he should be praised and played with. He should be watched constantly and taken out at any time when he seems as though he is looking for a place to go.

    Disciplining the Dog

    • The dog should never be hit and a crate should never be used as discipline. When the dog is caught eliminating indoors, the owner should scold her and take her to the appropriate place for eliminating her waste. When the dog uses the correct area, the owner should praise her. If the dog is not caught in the act, the mess should be cleaned up. A dog does not understand when her face is shoved in her elimination.