Housetraining your Puppy

Puppy housetraining requires vigilance, patience and commitment.  You can expect accidents, as it is all a part of raising a puppy.  However, the more consistent you are in housebreaking procedures, the faster your pup will learn the rules. 

Routines

Puppies do well on a regular schedule, which means being taken out regularly (at least every 2 hours, right after waking, playing, eating or drinking).  Each time puppy eliminates outside, praise him lavishly and sometimes a treat (make sure it is given immediately). 

Pick an area outside the house where you can take them, and return to this spot.  You can give him some playtime or a walk once he is finished his business.  If he has had an accident in the house, you can also take the soiled rags/towels and leave them in the bathroom spot outside.  This will help puppy recognize the area as the place to go to the bathroom.  You can also use an association phrase such as “go potty” while they are eliminating to help remind him of what he is doing.

By feeding a healthy diet on a regular routine, you can help to make house training easier.  Keep in mind that inexpensive foods do not absorb as well and thus creates more waste. 

Don’t give them the opportunity

Keep an eye on the puppy when they are in the house or keep a 6 foot leash on them so that you can take them outside quickly if needed.  Watch for signs that he needs to eliminate such as sniffing around or circling.  Once he eliminates outside, praise and reward with love or the occasional treat.

Keep them safe

If you are not at home or unable to watch the puppy, confine him to a small area.  Dogs feel safer when they are in smaller areas, and do not like to eliminate in areas where they eat and sleep.  The space should be big enough for him to be able to stand up and turn around.  Laundry rooms and bathrooms are also good to use and can have areas blocked off with baby gates.  Alternatively, you can crate train your puppy (ensure you learn how to do this properly).  If they have been in the crate, make sure you take him directly to his bathroom place as soon as he is let out of the crate.

Accidents

It is normal to have accidents in the house while training. 

If you catch him in the act, try to interrupt him, and immediately take him to his bathroom spot and praise him if he finishes eliminating there.

NEVER PUNISH THEM FOR ELIMINATING IN THE HOUSE.  If you find an accident, it is too late to do any sort of correction.  Clean it up and move on.  Never rub their nose in the mess or scold them.  This will only make them afraid of you or to go to the bathroom in your presence.  Punishment will only teach them that they should hide their elimination.

Clean the soiled areas thoroughly as animals have a keen sense of smell and will be motivated to reuse that spot.

Young puppies cannot be expected to control or hold their bladder for more than a few hours at a time.  If you are unable to be home for more than four to five hours at a time, this may not be a good time to have a puppy, and an older dog may be better for your home.

Alternatively, arrangements can be made with a neighbour, friend, or pet sitter to take them outside to have bathroom breaks. 

Other soiling problems

If you have gone through the process of housebreaking and you are still finding problems, there may be something else going on.  The following points should be looked at to see if there is another reason as to why a dog is having problems.

Medical problems:  Urinary tract infections or parasite problems can contribute to house soiling.  Check with your veterinarian to rule out any possibility of medical issues.

Submissive/Excited urination:  Some dogs may lose control of their bladder in times of excitement or if they feel threatened.  This tends to occur in times of play, greetings of if they feel nervous.  Ignoring submissive behaviour can help; ignore the dog for the first few minutes upon arrival. 

Territorial Urine Marking:  Dogs may deposit small amounts of urine to scent mark their surroundings.  They tend to do this when they feel that their territory has been invaded.  Tip:  clean the areas thoroughly and then feed your dog in the areas in which they have marked.

Separation Anxiety:  Dogs may soil in the house if they have anxiety about being alone.  There tends to be other behaviours that go along with this such as destructive behaviour.

Fears or Phobias:  Animals may lose control of their bladder or bowels when frightened.