Consistency is the key to successful housebreaking. Once you establish a pattern, your puppy will learn what to do and what not to do. Remember the learning curve, and give your puppy plenty of time. Use constant supervision, and be cognizant of your puppy's cues to help avoid accidents and establish the proper area to relieve itself. If the puppy has an accident, don't take it personally and get mad. Just clean it up, and move on.
Things You'll Need
- Written schedule
- Treats and toys
- Crate
Instructions
Set up a routine. It helps to write down a schedule and post it. This is especially helpful if there are other people living in your house.The goal is to be as consistent as possible. Your puppy will need to go outside as soon as it wakes up and again after breakfast. You should also plan trips outside after play time. Your puppy's bladder is very small. Do not expect your puppy to hold it for more than four hours.
Establish a bathroom area outside. Bring your pup to that area every time. There are commercially made scent attractants available, or you can simply see where your puppy chooses to go the first few times, and continue to return to that area.
Allow your puppy to explore new areas in your house only after it has gone to the bathroom outside. Think of exploring as a reward for good behavior.
Learn your puppy's behaviors. There will be telltale signs just before an accident. When your puppy is in your house, it should be supervised all the time. If you notice any of its bathroom cues, quickly take the puppy outside. If you must leave your puppy unsupervised in the house, it should be put in a crate. Puppies should never be locked up for great lengths of time, though, so you may need to make arrangements to have someone else let it out if you must be away for a while.
Correct your puppy only if you catch him in the act. A sharp "No," a loud clap or stomp of the foot or other sudden noise will usually startle the pup enough to make it stop. Immediately take your puppy outside to finish, and offer it praise outside. Never punish your puppy after the fact, and never hit your puppy. If you didn't see the puppy in the actual act, it's too late. Getting mad, scolding the puppy or rubbing its nose in it after it is done just causes the puppy to fear you, fear being caught or even fear relieving itself.