Schedule for Potty Training a Boxer Dog

Limit Access

• According to dog expert Cesar Millan in his book "How to Raise the Perfect Dog," a common mistake dog owners make is giving the new puppy freedom to roam the entire house before the pup is house trained. Unlimited access to the house can be overwhelming and will certainly lead to accidents on the carpet. Instead, Millan recommends using baby gates to section off a safe area where the puppy will stay when he can't be supervised. This curtails accidents while giving the puppy a feeling of security. The gated area can be increased gradually as the puppy grows older. If crate training is being used, the crate should be placed within the gated area.

Develop a Routine

• In order to housebreak a boxer pup, it is imperative to establish a routine for feeding and potty breaks. Puppies should be fed the same amount at the same time each day. After the puppy has eaten, take him outdoors to his "potty place" for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Give the puppy adequate time to relieve himself and praise him heavily when he fulfills his mission. Admonishing the puppy to "hurry up" will just make him anxious and distracted. Always take the puppy outside when he first wakes up in the morning and after rest periods throughout the day.

Regular Exercise

• Originally bred in Germany to hunt large game, the boxer is an active and energetic dog. The boxer's housebreaking schedule should include plenty of exercise such as walks or vigorous play activities. Regular exercise assists in the housebreaking routine while developing the puppy's muscles and burning excess energy.

When to Begin

• A boxer puppy can begin housebreaking as early as eight weeks. Depending on the owner's consistency and the individual dog, the length of time required for house training varies, but most puppies can be reasonably housebroken within a month.

Sample Schedule

• The following is a sample potty schedule for a 2- to 6-month-old boxer puppy:

  6:30 a.m.: Take the puppy outside first thing in the morning.
  7 a.m.: Feed the puppy and take him outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
  9 a.m.: Walk or playtime outside---30 to 45 minutes.
  11 a.m.: Potty break---take the puppy outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
  Noon: Feed the puppy and take him outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2 p.m.: Potty break outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4 p.m.: Potty break outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
  6 p.m.: Feed the puppy and take him outside for 10 to 15 minutes.
  8 p.m.: Walk or playtime outside for about 30 to 45 minutes.
  10 p.m.: Potty break outside, then put the puppy to bed.

Handling Accidents

• If your boxer pup has an accident in the house, simply clean the mess without making a big fuss. If you catch the puppy in the act of peeing or pooping in the house, quietly pick him up and take him outdoors. Do not use punitive measures such as yelling, hitting or "rubbing his nose in it," which makes the puppy fearful and mistrustful.