Housebreaking a dog can be a stressful task that many pet owners are not prepared for. It requires patience, commitment, discipline, and consistency. Following a few simple steps will help minimize accidents on the carpet. It is not unlikely for puppies or a newly house trained adult dog to have an occasional accident. The more consistent you are in your housebreaking procedures, the quicker the puppy will learn the appropriate behavior. Effectively housebreaking a puppy usually takes several weeks, some small breeds may take longer.
Establish A Routine
Dogs learn faster when you put them on a routine. To help your dog do better, take them outside once every two hours. They should also be taken out after eating or drinking, waking from a nap, and playing. The spot where your dog does his business should be near the door you take him through. Go to the same spot every time, and only reward him with a longer walk or a play session after he has gone to the bathroom.
Bestow Praise
Praise your puppy every time he "goes" outside. Show them what a good boy (or girl) they are, make a big deal of it. Praise them verbally, pet them, and even give them a small treat. Make sure you do it immediately after they are done. Don't wait until you get them back inside the house or they will not understand why you are praising them. Rewarding is the only way they will understand what they are supposed to do, so this type of positive reinforcement is essential.
Love & Patience
Accidents happen. When they do, sooth your pet's anxiety with kind words, show them you are not angry. If you have to clean up an accident in the house, take whatever you used to clean with and leave it on his bathroom spot. The smell will help him identify and understand that this spot is where he is supposed to go. While the puppy is in the act of eliminating, use a positive phrase such as "Go, Buster!" Use the same phrase every time. This will help you and your pet communicate their need to go to the bathroom.
Generally, after the dog is trained, you will be able to say your phrase, and if he needs to go he will act excited and head for the door. If he doesn't need to go, he might beg for snack instead. Never punish your puppy for having an accident in the house. If you find a spot where an accident occurred, it's too late to do anything about it other than just to clean it up. Don't rub their nose in it, scold them, or try to punish him in some other way. Punishment is never helpful.
Feeding Time
Feed your dog at the same time each day. This will increase the likelihood of their need to go to the bathroom on a consistent schedule as well. It will make the housebreaking process quicker and easier for both you and your pet.
Housebreaking Hints
Keep an eye on your puppy when they are indoors and don't give them the opportunity to have an accident on the floor. Watch for signs that indicate their need to go (sniffing or circling), and immediately take them out to their spot. Don't forget to praise them immediately when they are done. If your pet has been confined for several hours, you should immediately take them to their bathroom spot.
When you catch your pet in the act of going to the bathroom in the house, do something to interrupt him. Call their name loudly, but make sure not to scare them. After the interruption, take them to their spot and praise them when they finish. Make sure you clean and deodorize the scene of an accident thoroughly. An area that smells like urine or feces will encourage him to do it on that spot again.
Consistency in these methods is the key to successfully housebreaking your puppy. Understanding this responsibility before you get a new puppy will help you to train them effectively.
