How to Housebreak a Lab Puppy

Labrador Retrievers, commonly referred to as Labs, are one the most popular breeds in the United States. Labs are loving, loyal, affectionate and highly intelligent. They are patient, good natured, eager to please and easy to train. Housebreaking a lab puppy at an early age is important and useful for both the puppy and the owner. Less stress to both the puppy and the owner is one of many benefits to early training. There are many tools available to encourage bowel control and enforce correct behavior. Monitoring a young puppy at all times is key to housebreaking success.

Things You'll Need

  • Bells
  • Crate
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Instructions

  1. Supervision, Confinement and Consistency

    • 1

      Introduce the lab puppy to a crate. When the puppy can not be supervised, place the puppy in the crate. Choose a crate large enough for the lab puppy to lay on it's side and sit up comfortably. Ensure that the crate is not too large as it will hinder the feeling of security and delay progress of bowel control. If using a crate large enough to accommodate a full grown labrador retriever, block off a section to prevent soiling the opposite end of the crate.

    • 2

      Take the puppy outside after consuming a meal. Try to use a consistent command such as "potty" to reinforce to the puppy what he is supposed to be doing. When the puppy completes the objective, give praise. Taking the puppy to a similar location every time will also help teach the puppy he is there for elimination and may encourage him to go in the same area in the future.

    • 3

      Always take the puppy outside immediately after he wakes up. Puppies have small bladders and must urinate as least six times a day. After playing, naps and meals allow the puppy to go outside while consistently repeating the chosen command and praising the puppy upon elimination. Make sure the puppy is taken out before bed and all food and water is removed a few hours before bed time.

    • 4

      Hang bells on the door used to let the puppy outside. Every time the puppy is taken out to go to the bathroom, touch his nose to the bell. While ringing the bell say a command such as "out." Repeat this procedure every time the puppy is taken out. Soon the lab puppy will make an association with ringing the bell and going outside. Before long, the puppy will ring the bell to ask to go outside.