Tips For House Training Your New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy into your family is an exciting time for everyone.  You want to make sure this homecoming is as smooth as possible, which means you need to take some time properly preparing for this.

One of the first things you want to prepare for is house training, this is also a big challenge especially for first time dog owners. If you get yourself some basic knowledge and keep a positive attitude, you will have an easier time than some people make it out to be.

The New Arrival

When you first arrive home with your new puppy, keep him/her outside as the excitement of new faces and places will make him/her need to potty.  In this way your puppy’s first time will be outdoors and not in the house so as to get your new beginning off to a good start.  This will also help get your puppy accustomed to “doing his/her business” outside and not in the house as you don’t want your puppy getting use to going in the house.

Here are some things you want to do:

– Take him/her to the specific area where you decided the toilet is going to be.

– Patiently wait while he/she sniffs around.  Do not play or pet your puppy as you don’t want them to associate that area with playtime only with going potty in that area.

– When he/she begins to relieve themselves say the phase you want them to associate with potty time such as “go potty” or “go pee”.  Just keep it simple and use the same phase each time and use the same voice inflection so that your puppy will recognize it and know what it means.

– When he/she is finished make a big fuss, shower your puppy with praise and give them a treat.

Your training of your new puppy has just begun and when you bring them indoors you should continue with the training schedule you have decided on before you brought your puppy home.

When it comes to house training, crate training is an acceptable and efficient method of house training in a short period of time.

What exactly is crate training?

Crate training is the use of a smaller kennel, dog carrier or crate to keep your puppy in when you aren’t able to keep an eye on them.

How does this work?

This method is based on the fact that dogs instinct is not to potty where they sleep.  As long as your puppy isn’t kept in there for very long, they will “hold it” until you come and take them outside to your designated area. 

Choosing the right crate.

As a general rule the crate should big enough for him/her to grow into.  That when he/she is an adult dog they will be able to stand up comfortably, be able to turn around and lay down but not much bigger than that as you don’t want them using part of is to “potty” and part of it to sleep in. Though depending on your dog breed you may have to put a barrier of some sort until they grow into their crate.

How to use the crate for house training?

The crate should be used for all times your puppy is not napping, eating, outside with you or being played with.  Consistency is the key here, it will not take your puppy long to get use to this routine at all.  This will insure that your puppy doesn’t relieve themselves in the house before they are fully housebroken. And you don’t want to find any “surprises” in your house either.

Make and keep a schedule for your puppy.  Remember he/she is a baby so they will need to be taken out when they first wake up, after they eat, after naps and after playtime.  If too much time goes between potty breaks they are more likely to have an accident indoors and once they go indoors it will be easier for them to go indoors again and you don’t want that.  The older your puppy gets the less time they will need to spend in the crate but don’t do that too soon.

Other rules about crate training

At first your puppy won’t be happy being in the crate as they would rather be out with you getting attention and playing, but it won’t take them too long to get use to being in there. It is important not to give in when he/she cries, you are in charge not the puppy.

Put the crate where ever you are so that he/she still feels like part of the family and not being isolated as you don’t want the them to feel like they are being punished while in the crate.

Make the crate comfortable for your puppy with a think blanket or towels. Put a toy or a dog chew inside for them.  Unless your puppy is in there, leaving the door open will invite him/her to lay inside giving them their own personal space just for them.

Here are some more things to keep in mind; puppies have small bladders and bowels so there isn’t much time between them realizing they need to go and when they go. So take them out often and usually ten minutes after they eat or playtime.  If you notice your puppy sniffing and circling the floor, take him/her out right away.  Better to take them out unnecessarily than to have a mess to clean up indoors.

Keep in mind that your puppy can only “hold it” for so long, so remember this tip; maximum time equals puppy’s age (in months) plus one.  So if your puppy is three months old, four hours is the longest she can hold it and that might be stretching it.  Aim to take your puppy out every two hours, unless of course he/she is napping.