6 Tips to Housebreaking

Housebreaking your new four-legged family member can be one of the more difficult sides to training your pup. It requires a lot of patience and consistently. We came up with a list of steps below to guide you along the way.

• At such a young age, dogs have to have routine. It teaches them that there are certain times of the day for going potty, eating and playing. This will also enhance their training in the future. For the first month, don’t go longer than an hour without taking your pup outside. The second month, you can wait two hours but any longer is asking for an accident. Take them out after naps, playing, eating or drinking.
• Find a spot outside that your pup seems to be comfortable in. Normally, dogs will sniff out a place and revisit the same area every time. Make sure you go to this same spot every time so they understand what they do in this place. Repeat the command, “go potty” so they begin to recognize it with their actions. Keep your dog on a leash in the back yard during the training period. This keeps their mind focused on what they are suppose to be doing out there. When they run around they can easily be distracted and want to play.
• Every time your pup goes to the bathroom outside you should praise him. Right after he is finished give him a treat and pet him. It’s important that you don’t wait until he gets back inside the house because by that time his mind will have moved on to something else.
• About two hours before bedtime, take away your pups water bowl. This prevents them from having an accident while sleeping. If your little fur ball interrupts your beauty sleep don’t make a fuss or a lot of noise. It will only excite them and they might think that its time to play. Keep it very strict during these months, go outside, and let them do their business then go straight back to bed.
• Always keep an eye on your pup. There are certain signs you can look for that might signify them having to go potty. For example, walking around in a circle, barking, squatting or sniffing around. This way you can catch him before he tries to go on your carpet.
• Keep in mind that your own energy has an effect on your pup. If you try to rush him to go it will end up stressing him out. Remember to stay calm. Also, don’t use high-pitched voices when you are commanding him to “go potty”. This kind of thing will distract him and he may mistake it for you wanting to play around.

Still having trouble training your pup? Check out our puppy management class here at Sit Means Sit. Our professional trainers will work on potty training and help them become obedient, confident dogs. Give us a call today for a free evaluation at (239) 494-1436.