Something every parent looks forward to is the day they can bring home a puppy for their children. What they may not have considered is that pet ownership actually necessitates a great deal of work and enforcing routine, especially when it comes to house-breaking. Here are some suggestions to help you work toward a “no-go zone” indoors.
1. Learn to read the body language of your puppy which would indicate he has to go to the bathroom, such as fidgeting. Make sure you know the signs of his having to go out, including getting into a position to go the bathroom. Many pet owners teach their dogs to stand by the back door as an alert that they need to go out, and this is a good way to prevent him from having an “accident” on the carpet.
2. Take him out frequently. This may be a challenge in the middle of the night, but it will be necessary for the first few months. Puppies do have to urinate and defecate many times, day and night, but this will decrease over time. Gradually take him out less frequently to get him used to eventually “holding it in” overnight.
3. Go to a particular spot in the yard and don’t leave until your puppy goes to the bathroom. This will get him used to going in this location and will make clean-up easier if waste is stored in one designated area. It will also be helpful to know where the “land mines” are as you mow the lawn in the summer.
4. Every time your puppy goes to the bathroom outside, reward him with a dog treat. Studies suggest that positive reinforcement is a more powerful tool in training your dog to go to the bathroom outside. Hitting and yelling at your dog, or other such negative methods, actually make matters worse, since your dog will only become confused and frightened.
5. Let your puppy sleep in a crate, since he won’t soil where he sleeps. In most cases, dogs do tend to feel comforted by a space that is enclosed, and will get used to the fact that it is his bed. Over time, you may decide to allow him to sleep elsewhere in the home, perhaps on a pillow in the corner of your bedroom. For now, as he gets used to not eliminating indoors, keep him in the crate.
The main thing in terms of housebreaking a new puppy is to establish patterns that he will get used to in order to learn where the boundaries are. Training can be time-consuming, but once it’s through, you can all rest easier. Your house will be cleaner, and you and your puppy will be able to sleep through the night without “bathroom breaks.
Ruth Williams is a journalist who writes for newspapers, magazines, and online education websites. Her interests include scholarships for adult learners and online colleges offering graduate degrees.
