Housebreaking Tricks

Teaching your puppy to relieve itself when and where you would like it to, usually outside, can be a long process. Some puppies will learn fast, but others may still have accidents when they are 1 to 2 years old. The best way to teach your puppy when and where to go is to reward the behavior you want your puppy to repeat, like a successful trip outside.

  1. Learn Your Puppy's Body Language

    • Dogs will give visible cues when they need to relieve themselves. Housebreaking your puppy requires vigilance, patience and effort on your part. Even if you try to keep your dog on a schedule, sometimes it may have accidents. If you notice your puppy circling a single spot and sniffing, take it outside immediately. If you are too late and your puppy relieves itself in the house, do not rub its nose in it. Remember, your puppy is young and is just learning. On top of that, puppies cannot control the muscle that allows them to "hold it" until they are 12 weeks old. Accidents happen, and your new puppy needs reassurance, especially as it adjusts to a new home.

    Take Your Puppy Out After Meals

    • A full stomach can put pressure on your dog's colon and bladder and make him have to go as soon as he eats. Taking him outside after a meal will also help establish a consistent pattern of behavior for your puppy: He will learn that when dinner is over, it's time to go outside. He will come to associate this with the need to go, and consequently learn that they are supposed to go only when they are outside. Be sure to praise your dog when he or she successfully eliminates outdoors or in the proper place. A happy, praising tone in your voice will encourage your puppy to repeat the behavior that earned the praise.

    Let Your Puppy Out Every Half Hour

    • Your puppy will probably not relieve herself every time you go outside at first, but she will need to go about six times a day. For the first few weeks, you should take your puppy outside every half hour to help avoid accidents. When your puppy does successfully eliminate outside, be sure to praise her or even offer a treat. Offer the reward immediately; dogs associate praise or punishment with whatever behavior they are doing in that instant. If you want her to associate the reward with relieving herself in the appropriate place, you need to reward her as soon as she goes.

    Clean Up Inside Messes Thoroughly

    • Your puppy will have accidents in the house. When this happens, scold your dog immediately so he associates your anger with making the mess. Never, ever hit your dog or rub his nose in its mess. A stern "No" is enough for your dog to understand it is not supposed to go in the house. You should also clean up any accidents right away, being sure to use a cleaning agent that will remove any odor. This is not just for your comfort: If your dog can smell its own excrement or urine, it will relieve itself in the same sport again.