Housebreaking your puppy is the most important training you must provide for your puppy. Dogs are pack animals and they do keep to a schedule. Therefore, it is important to try to keep them on the same routine every day. Having your puppy trained will keep both you as the human and the puppy happy.
How Old Should My Puppy Be To Start Housebreaking
The ideal age to start housebreaking your puppy is 8 to 12 weeks.
Crate Training
Dog trainers suggest using a crate in housebreaking your puppy. A crate is like a cage, with see-through bars and a locking door. Its size should accommodate well the dogs size for it to move around in. It should be used like a dog's bedroom. It is advised to not confine your puppy in his crate for more than two hours at a time.
The reasoning behind using a crate in housebreaking your puppy is that dogs will not dirty their sleeping areas. However, he may do so if you lock him in somewhere for longer than he can hold it in. Never use a crate to punish your dog, it will backfire. Generally, pups that are three-months old must eliminate every 3 hours, so you should lead him to a special outdoor comfort place more often.
Get Your Puppy Used To Routines
When the training has progressed he will scratch on the door to let you know when he needs to go out. Therefore, during the training process be sure to use the door you want him use.
Taking your pup out at around the same times every day will be very beneficial for the both of you. This will help in establishing a routine, and will make him learn to hold it in until you become available to take him out.
It Is Your Responsibility To Look For Clues
If your puppy is left to roam around the house and you catch him in the act, stop him immediately and get him outside to finish his business. Always praise him when he does something good. Dog's love to please their owners. Praising him will go along way.
Patience is a Big Virtue
If you want the housebreaking to go as quickly and smoothly as possible, you as the dog owner, must have patience. In time it will come.
Common Sense Goes A Long Way
Common Sense will help you and your dog while housebreaking. Stick to a routine, do not give him water before bed, to not ignore the clues.
Housebreaking your puppy requires patience, consistency and a big commitment. Stick to it and you will succeed.
Best of luck!
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