How to Train Puppies in the Bathroom

New puppies are always an exciting addition to a family, but they require care, training and constant vigilance until the puppy is old enough to know what it allowed and what is not allowed. When trying to house train the puppy and prevent accidents, one method is the use of a crate. When a crate is not available, a bathroom is another training option to teach the puppy that he is not allowed to use the house as his toilet.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bed
  • Toys
  • Newspaper
  • Baby gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a schedule for the puppy that you can maintain. For example, give him food at the same time four times a day and take him out once an hour. Puppies will need to use the restroom once an hour while they are young and will gradually learn to control their bathroom needs as they get older.

    • 2

      Set up the bathroom for the puppy's space. It should have a few puppy toys and a bed with enough free space that if the puppy has an accident, it is not on the bedding and is easy to clean up. Put down newspaper or similar paper items to make cleanup easier in areas where the bedding is not located.

    • 3

      Keep the puppy confined to a room you can watch him when he is in the house. Never leave a puppy in the house unattended while he is not yet housebroken. If you cannot watch him, put him in the bathroom for short periods of time. Get him into the bathroom with a toy or a treat to avoid making it a punishment. Put up a baby gate to keep him from leaving the bathroom.

    • 4

      Take the puppy out of the bathroom once an hour and take him immediately outside. Praise him the second he starts using the bathroom outside. Praise works better than punishment and shows him that he is allowed to use the bathroom outside without getting into trouble.

    • 5

      Expect accidents. Until the puppy is fully house trained, he will have a few accidents. When you see him trying to use the bathroom while inside, say "no, don't pee here" or a similar message to show the puppy that he should not use the bathroom there before picking him up and taking him outside. When he is on the grass, praise him for urinating on the grass. If you carry on while he is in the house, he will learn to use the bathroom outside, rather than the bathroom inside, where you can catch him. By praising him outside and only telling him no at first, he will learn that outside he is praised and inside he is not. Clean up the messes from accidents after he finishes.

    • 6

      Put the puppy in the bathroom at night. Until the puppy is housetrained, keeping him confined to the bathroom with fresh newspaper in one area, bedding in the other and a few toys will prevent accidents elsewhere in the house. Close it off with a baby gate to keep him from getting out at night. Take him out to the bathroom immediately after getting up.