Part of being a new puppy owner is cleaning up occasional urination and defecation incidents in the home. Bringing an adult dog to a new home might lead to some accidents at first too. By displaying patience, consistency and commitment, you can house-train your puppy or dog. The process could take a few weeks. Once an already house-trained dog becomes accustomed to your home, you probably won̵7;t see any more accidents.
Instructions
House-Train a Puppy
Set a routine of eating, playing, going potty and sleeping. Puppies learn faster when they do the same things at the same times each day.
Walk your puppy regularly; how often depends on his age. A puppy can typically control his bladder for one hour for each month of his age. A 3-month-old puppy typically needs to be taken out every three hours.
Go outside with your puppy after he wakes up and a few minutes after he eats and drinks. Always bring your puppy to the same spot. While he is urinating or defecating, say, ̶0;Potty̶1; or give some other simple command. After you̵7;ve done this a few times, say, ̶0;Go potty̶1; right as you take the puppy to his spot.
Reward your puppy the second he finishes urinating or defecating by saying, ̶0;Good dog,̶1; and giving a treat.
Remove your puppy̵7;s water bowl two hours before bedtime. Puppies can usually go seven hours during the night without needing to go outside.
Keep your puppy in a crate during the day until he is housebroken. Dogs rarely soil their beds. The crate should be just large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around. Let your puppy out of the crate when you can supervise him.
Watch your puppy carefully when he has free rein in the house. If you notice signs he needs to urinate or defecate, such as circling, sniffing, squatting or scratching at the door, take him outside immediately. If he eliminates outside, give a treat immediately afterward.
House-Train an Adult Dog
Train an adult dog who has never been house-trained before the same way you would house-train a puppy.
Determine the reason your adult dog is having accidents. Senior dogs might need to go more often, the dog could be sick, or he might urinate in the house if he is submissive, excited or scared.
Spay or neuter the dog. A dog who has not been neutered or spayed is more likely to urine-mark in the house. You might also need to follow the puppy house-training tips if neutering or spaying alone don't resolve the problem.