The Best Ways to Housebreak

Housebreaking a cat is usually quick and fairly painless. If the cat is shown the liter box and reminded a few times it will usually get the idea. Puppies are a little harder. Puppies are naturally inclined not to relieve themselves where they live. Puppies or adult dogs may take a little longer than cats to learn what is and isn't an appropriate place to go. It is important to remember that dogs want to please their owners; all that is required is to teach them how to do so.

  1. Crate Training

    • One popular method of housebreaking is crate training. Dogs do not like to go to the bathroom where they sleep because they do not want to lay in it. Dogs may object to crate training at first but dogs are naturally inclined to find safe places to sleep. Occasionally, rescue dogs or pound dogs may object to the crate. It's up to the owner to decide if an aversion to the crate is temporary or permanent. If the dog has an accident in the crate, clean it up and then take them outside and show them where they should go.

    Pads

    • When a puppy is young they will have to go to the bathroom frequently. Placing pads or newspapers on the floor can give them a safe place to go. Treated pads are scented with a chemical that attracts puppies. Encourage them to use the pads and praise them when they do. After they have gone, the pads can be moved outside to show the puppy where you would like them to go. When it's time for them to go outside exclusively, move the pads outside to signal this to them.

    Supervision

    • Puppies have to go frequently. They should be carefully supervised and not left alone. If they are not caught in the act, there is little point in doing anything because they won't make the appropriate connections. It's best if they aren't left alone in the house for any period of time when they're young. They also need frequent trips outside. When they go to the bathroom outside, praise them and give them a treat.

    Accidents

    • Sometimes accidents happen, especially if the puppy hasn't had a chance to go outside for awhile. Puppies should never be punished if they have an accident and they should never have their nose rubbed in it. Such things are really unnecessary because the puppy wants to please you. Tell them what they have done is bad and show them where it should go instead. They will catch on quickly. Also, watch out for "submissive urination." Sometimes when they first greet you, puppies will pee a little. It's a sign of submission and an instinctive reaction. They have no control over it and most puppies will outgrow it by the time they are 4 to 7 months old.