HOME IMPROVEMENT

When you bring a new puppy into your home, one of the first lessons you'll need to teach him involves where to eliminate. Unless they are trained otherwise, puppies will urinate and defecate indoors. Part of the reason is because they have yet not learned to control their bladders and bowels. Another part of the reason is because they simply don't know any better. Proper housetraining addresses both issues.

Many owners take a haphazard approach when housetraining their puppies, and see mixed results. There is a much better - and more reliable - way. Below, we'll present a step-by-step guide for helping your puppy learn when and where he should eliminate.

Create An Elimination Schedule

Your puppy will learn more quickly when he is forced to stick to a routine. In the same way people "train" themselves to go to bed at the same time each evening, puppies benefit from accommodating consistent elimination times. Keep in mind his control will be limited during the beginning stages.

Most pups can be expected to hold their bladders for a number of hours that matches their age (in months). For example, if your pet is twelve weeks old, he should be able to control himself for three hours. Making him wait any longer, however, risks an accident.

Choose A Spot And Stick To It

As with any type of dog training, consistency is critical. Select a spot for your puppy, and take him there whenever he needs to eliminate. It's also a good idea to use a collar and lead to prevent him from straying away from his spot. When he has finished, give him a treat. He'll quickly learn that using his spot results in something he enjoys: food. The treat will reinforce the habit.

Set A Meal Schedule

During his first six months, your pet should be given three meals each day (four if the portions are small). Provide these meals at the same times throughout the day. Doing so will help your puppy conform to a consistent elimination schedule. The passage of food through his digestive tract will provide helpful signals regarding when to defecate.

Supervise Your Pup Indoors

While you are housetraining your pup, make sure you keep him in your sight at all times indoors. Even if he knows where to eliminate (i.e. his spot outside), he might venture out of sight when the need arises, and eliminate in your home.

Supervising him is simple if you're playing with him, or he is playing near you. It is a matter of recognizing the telltale signs he needs to go outside. He'll begin sniffing the floor, squatting, and walking in small circles. He may also bark or walk to the door. When you notice these signals, take him immediately to his spot.

If you're unable to interact with him, use his lead and collar to secure him in a spot that is near you. This way, you can keep an eye on him, while preventing him from straying.

Crating Your Puppy

There will be times when you'll be unable to keep an eye on your puppy for extended periods. In such cases, a crate is invaluable. Dogs - young and old - are loathe to eliminate in their "dens." When you confine your pup in his crate, he will try to control his bladder and bowels until you return.

When Accidents Happen

Expect your puppy to have a few accidents. This is a part of housetraining. If you notice he has urinated or defecated in your home, avoid scolding or punishing him; he is unlikely to understand the reason for the punishment. Instead, simply clean up the mess. If you catch him while he is eliminating indoors, pick him up, and tuck his tail underneath his legs. Then, take him to his spot outside so he can finish.

Housetraining your puppy requires patience. Give him time. Whenever he eliminates in his designated spot, praise him and give him a treat. He'll eventually learn to control himself, and avoid having accidents in your home.