The Fastest Way to Housebreak a Puppy

A new puppy can bring untold joys to a household. Unfortunately, during the training process, a new puppy can also add a whole lot of frustration to your life. Teaching your puppy to let you know when he has to do his business outside and gently guiding him away from gnawing on your furniture and shoes can be quite a job. Store up some extra patience and keep your cleaning supplies handy and soon your puppy will be housebroken.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog collar and leash
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your puppy to the concept of housebreaking when it is about 7 ½ to 8 ½ weeks old.

    • 2

      Watch your dog at all times while it is in the house. Keep the dog in a lined cage whenever you are not around to prevent accidents.

    • 3

      Take the puppy outside about six to eight times per day. Take the puppy out 30 minutes after it eats, after it wakes up and every time after you play with it.

    • 4

      Put your puppy on a leash and allow it to sniff around outside. Maintain consistency with the area you take your puppy each time you take it outside. Veterinarians say that the smells of previous eliminations will stimulate the dog into going. This process may take a long time. Sometimes the dog will want to sniff around or play.

    • 5

      Choose a key phrase to signal the dog into doing its business. Say, "Go potty" when your puppy begins to eliminate. Repetition of this or another phrase during the first few weeks of housebreaking, especially while the pet is urinating or defecating, will help your pet to go on cue later.

    • 6

      Give your puppy a treat immediately after it has done its business outside. Keep treats in your pocket while you are outside and give one to the puppy before it leaves its potty spot.

    • 7

      Teach your dog to signal you when it has to go outside. Choose another key phrase such as, "Want to go outside?" and ask the dog the question every time he stands near the door. Eventually your puppy will scratch on the door or bark at you when it has to go outside.

    • 8

      Make indoor accidents unpleasant for the dog. Accidents will happen, but you can prevent them by shouting, "No!" at the dog and employing loud noises such as stomps or claps when it has an accident. Take the dog outside to his potty spot so it knows where it should have gone instead of in the house.