Easiest Way to House Train a Puppy

Puppies require a lot of time and attention. Owning a puppy means accepting that there is no quick fix when it comes to house training--puppies need repetition over several weeks to learn this behavior. But by being patient, vigilant and consistent you can reduce house training time and reinforce positive behaviors that will reduce accidents in the house.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Dog treats
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Baby gates or other barriers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep to a schedule. Consistency in training leads to faster results. With an established routine, your puppy learns when its time to play and eat and when its time to potty. Not only should a puppy be walked at the same times each day, but it should be fed at the same times as well. This will keep the puppy's digestive system on schedule.

    • 2

      Take the puppy out every two hours, especially after waking up, eating and drinking. Generally a puppy can hold its bladder one hour for every month of age, so do not exceed this time between bathroom breaks. Using a leash, take the puppy to the same spot outdoors each time.

    • 3

      Reward the puppy for eliminating outdoors. Praise the puppy each time it finishes or give it a treat. Positive reinforcement is crucial--it teaches the puppy what is expected of it.

    • 4

      Supervise the puppy at all times. If the puppy eliminates too often in the house, it will be confused about where its supposed to eliminate and training will take longer. During the house training process, keep the puppy tethered near you on a 6-foot leash and watch for signs such as barking, circling or restlessness that signals the puppy needs to eliminate. When you see these signs take the puppy outside immediately. Only after house training can the puppy have more freedom in the house.

    • 5

      If you can't watch your puppy at all times, confine it to an area small enough that it won't want to eliminate there. The area should be big enough for the puppy to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. A portion of the bathroom or laundry can be used if blocked off with baby gates. A crate is another option. If the puppy has been in confinement for several hours, be sure to take it to its bathroom spot as soon as you let it out.

    • 6

      Accept that your puppy will have accidents in the house as a normal part of house training. If you find a soiled area, do not punish the puppy--it's too late to correct and, according the Humane Society, punishment often does more harm than good. Instead, clean the area so the puppy will not be tempted to eliminate there again. If you catch the puppy in the process of eliminating in the house, make a startling noise or say "OUTSIDE". Take the puppy to its bathroom spot and reward it for finishing its business there.