House Breaking Your Puppy

One of the first things to remember in training your puppy is to not allow them to use your floor as a toilet.  This is where a great amount of patience comes in handy.  Don't get angry with the pup or yourself if this part of the training doesn't go real well at first.  A puppy is a lot like an infant.  It takes about two years to train a child to use the toilet so don't expect the puppy to get it after only a week.

I personally DON'T believe in hitting a puppy/dog to train it.  This is unacceptable to me.  Patience should be used first.  Always, remember, this is your dog and he/she will be with you for many years to come.  Use kindness with your dog and you'll both be happier.

Now, you just brought home your new puppy.  Now What??  This is the part of the training that'll probably be harder on you than the puppy.  If you want to get the puppy use to the idea of going outside instead of your house, you have to take him outside OFTEN !!!  How often?  How does every 30 minutes to an hour sound?  This does sound like a big hassle but it's really important.  You have to remember that a puppy is like an infant.  They have to go a lot!!!!  If your puppy doesn't have to go this often then adjust the time to suit your puppy.  DON'T restrict the puppies water supply so he won't have to urinate as often.  Some people try this but it's not a good idea.  As soon as most puppies eat, they will have a bowel movement, BRING HIM OUT!!!  If your puppy has gone down for a nap, as soon as he awakens, BRING HIM OUT !!!!  He will go immediately.  Also, going outside for the toilet first thing in the morning is a good habit for the pup to get into.  I personally find putting a collar and leash on my puppy to go out to potty is effective and also visiting  the same spot each time.  Puppies learn best through repetition.  After your puppy has done his business, it's important to praise the puppy to let him know what a great job he did.  Puppies pick up on human emotions and tones of voice.  Puppies become especially sensitive to their owners voice. After all of the above, allow him to walk around the yard (still with collar and leash) so he doesn't associate potty training as a one minute visit outdoors then immediately back inside.  They love being outdoors so spend time with your puppy allowing him to explore the outdoors.

It's important to always use the same words with your puppy when he does something good.  For instance, you could say "Good Dog or Good Girl/Boy"  Smile at your puppy and put as much happy enthusiasm in your voice as possible.  Pet the pup, give him lots of praise.  Make sure you communicate the fact that he has done a very good thing.  Be genuine.  This is very good positive reinforcement for the puppy's good behavior.  You want the pup to associate the masters pleased tone and petting with using the yard as the toilet.  Maybe give him a small doggie treat to reward him.

Ok, now for the "not so fun" part.  What to do when the puppy has an accident in the house.

                 Rule #1:  Don't get mad or loose your patience.  Remember, he's like an infant, still learning.  He's very young and it may take a while to get the hang of this "not peeing on the floor" thing.

                 Rule #2:  Gently take the pup to the messed area of the floor and show him his mess.  Make eye contact with him and tell him "No, BAD". Repeat another time then put his collar and leash on and take him outdoors.  Even though he does not potty, this will reinforce the fact that you want him to go out to potty. Remember:  Consistency, Consistency, Consistency is the key word here !!!!

Just like little children like to please their parents, puppies/dogs like to please their owners.  God only knows why this is, but that's the way it works.  When you show the puppy the mess he's made and say, "No, Bad" he will understand by your tone that you're displeased.  Again, hitting or rubbing the pups nose in it and throwing him outside is NOT acceptable.  Please be patient with your baby.  If it doesn't click immediately, usually by 4 months of age they have gotten the hang of it.  Just stop and ask yourself, is the problem with the pup or with  me !!!

                                                          GOOD LUCK !!!