Q: I have a new puppy that needs to be housetrained. Help!
A: Housebreaking may be one of the most important training steps when bringing home a new puppy. The process can take awhile, not to mention being a messy one with lots of accidents. It's important to remember that housebreaking takes time and to be patient. Here are some tips:
Keep a consistent schedule
If your dog knows when bathroom breaks are, accidents are less likely to occur. When you first begin training, take your dog outside on the leash to the same spot, and stay there while they do their business. In the mornings, before bedtime, after naps and feedings, bring your puppy out to housebreak them. After awhile they'll know when it's time to go. Establishing a schedule not only for when you take your puppy out, but also when you feed them, wake them, and put them to bed will make their training easier.
Use a crate
Utilizing a crate for your dog is a great training mechanism — if it's the right size. This should be a safe and positive experience for your dog. Crating should not be used as a punishment in any way.
To see if your crate is the proper size, your dog should be able to stand up inside of it and turn around in a full circle. But there also shouldn't be so much room in the crate where the dog can sleep on one side and soil the other end of the crate. Always bring your puppy outside to go to the bathroom before and after putting them in the crate, and should only be in it for 3 to 4 hours a day.
Praise and reward
Rewarding your dog after doing their business is as important as creating a schedule. Rewarding good behavior reinforces this, so it's important to stay consistent and positive. Once your dog successfully goes to the bathroom outside, reward them with praise and a treat. Do not punish your dog for any accidents that may occur when you aren't watching.