Wednesday, January 28, 2009

How To Housebreak Your Puppy

By Michelle Johnson

Keeping your house spic and span with an untrained puppy is virtually impossible. If not properly trained both you and your puppy will not be happy. Housebreaking your puppy is the first training you should do. Start off with a schedule and be consistent. As creatures of habit, it is in their nature to keep schedules as pack animals.

How Old Should My Puppy Be To Start Housebreaking

The ideal age to start housebreaking your puppy is 8 to 12 weeks.

Crate Help

Dog trainers suggest using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is like a cage, with see-through bars and a locking door. Its size should accommodate well the dogs size for it to move around in. It should be used like a dog's bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for more than two hours at a time.

The reasoning behind using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs will not dirty their sleeping areas. However, he may do so if you lock him in somewhere for longer than he can hold it in. Never use a crate to punish your dog, it will backfire. Generally, pups that are three-months old must eliminate every 3 hours, so you should lead him to a special outdoor comfort place more often.

Get Your Puppy Used To Routines

When the training has progressed he will scratch on the door to let you know when he needs to go out. Therefore, during the training process be sure to use the door you want him use.

Taking the puppy out at the same time everyday will help your dog to get into a routine. This will help him to learn to hold it in until you are available.

Your Puppy Will Give You Clues

If your puppy is left to roam around the house and you catch him in the act, stop him immediately and get him outside to finish his business. Always praise him when he does something good. Dog's love to please their owners. Praising him will go along way.

Patience is a Big Virtue

Patience and consistency is the key to housebreaking your dog.

Using Your Common Sense

Common Sense will help you and your dog while housebreaking. Stick to a routine, do not give him water before bed, to not ignore the clues.

Aside from patience and common sense, consistency is also one of the important factors of this dog training activity. If you suddenly forget about the routines yourself, don't blame if your dog if he starts committing accidents more often. Remember that the stakes are high. If you would like succeed in this housebreaking feat or just about in any other training drills, don't treat it as a game. Allot enough time and commitment on your part.

Best of luck!

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