5 Tips For House Training Your Dog

Potty training a new puppy is a huge responsibility; it takes both time and patience. The process is time consuming and challenging, but in the end, it will build the bond between you and your puppy.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), most puppies can be reasonably house trained by four to six months of age, so patience with your new canine companion is key. Also, remember that the best time to start potty training your dog is after he is 12 weeks old. Typically, after 12 weeks, he has finally developed the ability to hold his bladder for an extended period of time.

You may be wondering how – how do I potty train my new puppy? Here at Beechwold, we have several tips on house breaking a puppy.

1. Set Boundaries

The first step in potty training 101 is to remember the importance of setting boundaries for your pooch. Yes, you have a cute little ball of fur that you want to follow you everywhere around the house, but it is important to establish appropriate places for your puppy to go to the bathroom.

Every time you see him doing the classic “I’ve got to go now” signs, be sure to take him outside. If you cannot be home to take your puppy outside on a consistent basis, try confining your puppy to a defined space. When he learns that outside is the designated place to use the restroom, gradually begin to loosen the reigns on those boundaries.

2. Establish a Feeding Routine

Next, you will want to establish a consistent routine when you are trying to potty train a new puppy. In some ways, it is like having a baby – both babies and puppies need structure! A puppy’s structure is set so they know that there is a designated time and place to eat, drink, play and relieve themselves. So, set up a consistent feeding schedule that allows the puppy to have an assigned time to eat and drink.

A puppy should typically be fed three or four times a day, and feeding your puppy at the same times each day will increase the chances of him having to go to the bathroom at the same time, on a consistent basis.

3. Set Up a Potty Training Schedule

This tip ties in very closely with the previous one. Given that you should be feeding your pooch three to four times a day, it also follows that you should be taking him out that many times a day as well.

A puppy can control his or her bladder one hour more for every month of age.

4. Reward Your Puppy

When your pooch has relieved himself outside in the designated potty zone, it is the perfect time to implement some positive reinforcement. Praise your puppy’s good behavior by rewarding him with a treat, play time or a walk around the neighborhood. He is sure to reenact this positive behavior if there is an incentive behind it.

5. Uh oh…There Has Been an Accident

The final tip when house breaking a puppy is a suggestion on what not to do when you catch your pup in the middle of relieving himself in the house. Although you may be fuming, take a step back before thinking about punishing your puppy. Instead of punishing him, do something to startle him while he is emptying his bladder, such as clapping your hands. Once he has stopped, immediately rush to take him outside so he can finish.

Now that you have gone through puppy training, you are now ready for advance Brain Training For Dogs. We would love to see you there!

Brain Training For Dogs is the newest, funkiest most tail-waggingest dog training course around! These 21 fun and simple games are designed to transform your dog from brainless to brilliant!

WHO IS ADRIENNE FARRICELLI?

Adrienne Farricelli is a professional dog trainer certified by the CCPDT. Her work has appeared in notable publications such as USA Today, Everydog Magazine, and the APDT Chronicle of the Dog.
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