Big Holler Pups LLC

 

Tips on Housebreaking

Borrowed from a friend



Designate one area outside as a "potty" area. Go out the same door to the same spot EVERY time. Don't change the routine! Feed at the same time everyday. Take your puppy out every 2 hours to the potty area, whether he/she has eaten or not. The times that a puppy will most likely want to eliminate are after eating or drinking, after a nap, or after a period of play or vigorous exercise. Bring the puppy to the potty area- use a leash if the area is not confined. Initially, you want to teach the puppy what the words "go potty" mean. Once the puppy has performed the task, give him/her a small treat and lots of hugs and kisses.  Sometimes a puppy just won't eliminate, even though you think it is time. If you have been out for  more than five minutes but your puppy hasn't completed the task, take him/her back inside, but do not take your eyes off of him/her. Watch for signs that he/she needs to go: circling, pacing, intense sniffing or a sudden stop in the middle of an activity. The second you see any such signs, get him/her back outside. In housebreaking your puppy, the two most important concepts for you are WATCH and CONFINE. It is not a good idea to give your puppy full run of the house, especially if you are not able to be near and watch him/her. Start in a a small area like a utility room or bathroom, kitchen etc. or a small pen. Don't graduate to a larger area until he/she has proven himself/herself by having no accidents in that area over a period of time. Until then, you must be aware of where your puppy is every moment. It's a good idea to have a puppy crate ready when you bring your new puppy home. It's not cruel to use a crate; it is cruel to constantly reprimand, scold and possibly get physical with the puppy for having an accident in the house. Make 1/4-1/2 of the crate a bed. Always make sure the crate is in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Not to hot or to cold. By the time the puppy is 14 weeks old he should be able to hold it all night long with out having an accident or having to go outside. Just make sure you take him out before you put him/her in the crate. Never be physical with a puppy for potting in the house. Being physical with your puppy will make it not want to perform in front of you, and will actually cause the puppy to leave gifts for you out of sight. Remember accidents happen.     You can start a puppy on puppy pads but I never have had any luck with them but other people have. Crate training works best for me. Be patient, consistent, and diligent in taking the puppy outside. Regulate what goes into your puppy's tummy, so you can regulate what comes out. Watch or Confine your puppy, gradually extending the living area. Clean any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner that will eliminate any of the traces. In a matter of weeks, your diligence will pay off......No More Accidents....Hooray!!!