How to Housebreak & Potty Train Puppies

Your carpeting and rugs may never be the same after bringing a new puppy into your home. Start housebreaking it from the first day if you want to minimize accidents. Do not expect perfection at first, but your puppy will soon learn how to hold his bladder, as well as how to let you know that he needs to go outside. With the right techniques and routines you can potty train your puppy to relieve himself in the yard instead of on your soft carpet.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable dog crate
  • Training pads
  • Baby gate
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Instructions

  1. Crate Training

    • 1

      Purchase an adjustable dog crate. Find a crate that is suitable for how large your puppy will eventually become. For instance, Mastiffs and German shepherds will require very large crates. Look on the crate packaging to find out the recommended weight capacity for the crate.

    • 2

      Set up the crate. Position the adjustable piece of the crate so that your puppy has just enough room to turn around inside. It should not be too roomy or else your puppy may relieve himself in one of the corners. Having just enough room will deter him from making where it sleeps.

    • 3

      Put your puppy into the crate. During the day, let the puppy out of the crate every hour and take it directly outside. Encourage it to go to the bathroom by using cue commands, such as "potty." Once it goes to the bathroom, applaud and reward it with a treat, then put it back into the crate.

    • 4

      Let your puppy sleep in the crate at night. If you hear whining, take it outside to see if it needs to go to the bathroom.

    • 5

      Designate one spot outside in the yard that is for your puppy to do its business. Puppies will pick up on the routine of where to go, and they will learn that the spot is for them.

    Training Pads

    • 6

      Purchase training pads for puppies. Find one that has a deodorizer for the scent and multiple layers so that you do not have to worry about any leaks on your floor.

    • 7

      Designate a special potty training area in your house, preferably on tile floor. Set up baby gates so that your puppy is confined to a small area. Set down the potty training pad and allow your puppy to sniff it.

    • 8

      Pay close attention to your puppy. Learn what the warning signs are that it needs to go to the bathroom, such as sniffing the floor while circling around a particular spot. When you notice this behavior, pick up your puppy and place it on the training pad.

    • 9

      Reward your puppy for making on the training pad. Some people reward their puppies by giving them treats, and others use affection rewards, such as long belly rubs.