Housebreaking Your Puppy

PetSmart -
April 23, 2009

Housebreaking a puppy is hard work. Young puppies have poor bladder control, and they urinate about six to eight times a day.

Your puppy will not automatically know it is inappropriate to soil in the house. It is your job to teach him or her how to be a good family member. No one wants to deal with the soil, odor, time, and expense that can result from poor house training. Proper training requires much time, patience, and consistency on your part.

Several strategies exist for training: crate, pads, and litter box training.

Crate Training
Crate training is often the best choice. While learning not to soil in the house, your puppy also learns to accept the crate as a safe, secure area. Dogs instinctively want a safe den or resting area, and usually learn not to soil it. A crate offers that security. Many crate-trained dogs will tend to be less anxious when kenneled for any reason, whether at the groomer, veterinarian, or boarding facility, if they are already familiar with a crate or kennel environment. It is very important to choose a crate size and type that is appropriate for your pet and use the crate properly. Remember, though, that puppies can't hold it for long so you can't leave your puppy in a crate for long periods.

Puppy Pads or Litter box Training
Puppy pads or litter box training is appropriate for all dogs that will not have regular access to the outdoors. Most pads have a scent that attracts puppies to urinate in your chosen spot. Consider putting the pads on the floor in the corner of an indoor exercise pen. A variety of pens that are easy to assemble and clean are available. Take your puppy designated area immediately upon waking in the morning, and frequently throughout the day. The goal is to train your puppy to soil only in a designated spot outside, in a litter box or a papered area.
 

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