The underlying principles of housetraining are straightforward. The goal is to train your puppy to eliminate in a particular place or on a specific surface, while also avoiding the development of a habit of eliminating in unacceptable areas or on unsuitable surfaces. If it is inconvenient to bring your puppy outside to eliminate, consult your veterinarian about paper training.
When to Begin House Training Puppy
Experts suggest starting to house train your puppy once they reach the age of 12 to 16 weeks, as this is when they acquire sufficient control over their bladder and bowel movements to grasp the concept of holding it.
If your puppy is over 12 weeks old when you bring them home and has been eliminating in a cage while also possibly eating their waste, the process of house training might take a longer time. In order to train your dog to use the appropriate location, you will need to modify their behavior through positive reinforcement and rewards.
Steps for Housetraining Your Puppy
Experts advise keeping the puppy in a designated area, such as a crate, a room, or on a leash, until they understand the need to go outside for their business. Over time, you can slowly allow them more liberty to move around the entire house.
In order to begin house training, adhere to these steps in a sequential manner.
- Keep the puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away their food between meals.
- Take the puppy out to eliminate first thing in the morning and then once every 30 minutes to an hour. Also, always take them outside after meals or when they wake from a nap. Make sure they goe out last thing at night and before they are left alone.
- Take the puppy to the same spot each time to do their business. Their scent will prompt them to go.
- Stay with them outside, at least until they are house trained.
- When your puppy eliminates outside, praise them or give a treat. A walk around the neighborhood is a nice reward.
Using a Crate to House Train Puppy
In terms of house training your puppy, using a crate can be a beneficial option, particularly in the short run. It enables you to closely monitor them for any indications of needing to relieve themselves and helps in teaching them to wait until you open the crate and take them outdoors.
Below are a few guidelines for utilizing a crate.
- Make sure it is large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not big enough for them to use a corner as a bathroom.
- If you are using the crate for more than two hours at a time, make sure the puppy has fresh water, preferably in a dispenser you can attach to the crate.
- If you can’t be home during the house training period, make sure somebody else gives them a break in the middle of the day for the first 8 months.
- Don’t use a crate if your puppy is eliminating in it. Eliminating in the crate could have several meanings: they may have brought bad habits from the shelter or pet store where they lived before; they may not be getting outside enough; the crate may be too big; or they may be too young to hold it in.
Tips for House Training Your New Puppy
To prevent your puppy from developing bad habits at home, make sure to have a family member keep an eye on them at all times. If that’s not possible, it’s best to confine them to a secure and limited space. Additionally, your puppy should be supervised or confined until they have gone without soiling the home for at least four consecutive weeks.
To establish a routine, create a schedule for teaching your puppy where to eliminate. Take him to the desired area often and let him explore by sniffing around. Make sure to bring him outside shortly after eating, playing, waking up from a nap, before confining him, and whenever he shows signs of needing to eliminate. Stick to a consistent schedule of feeding your puppy two to three times a day. However, it is advisable to avoid feeding him for an hour before confining him or before bedtime.
When your puppy eliminates, offer quiet praise and immediately reward him with either a Science Diet® Puppy Treat or Science Diet® Puppy kibble. Do not wait until he comes back inside to reward him.
Puppies are prone to accidents, and it is important not to punish them when such incidents occur. Punishing your puppy can harm your relationship with them and potentially hinder their house training. Instead, if you catch your puppy eliminating in an inappropriate area, make a loud noise, like clapping or stomping, to interrupt their behavior. It is crucial not to frighten your puppy and only aim to stop their action. Subsequently, immediately take your puppy outside to finish their business. Additionally, it is essential to clean any odors from floors and carpets to prevent them from re-soiling. Regularly wash bedding and consider taking your puppy out during the night to avoid them sleeping on soiled bedding, as this could impede their housetraining progress.
