Housebreaking Tips for your Puppy

Puppies can't control their bladder for extended periods until they are at least four to six months old, so it is important to get your puppy outside as often as possible. Take your puppy to one chosen place outdoors ever two to four hours, especially when he needs to eliminate (after meals, immediately after awakening from a nap, and soon after beginning play).

When your pup does his business where and when he should, give him lots of praise and play with him as a reward. If your puppy gets distracted and does not go when you take him out, do not let him play. Take him out again five minutes later. The second time usually works. The more frequent you take your puppy out, the more rapidly your housebreaking program will progress.

If you have to be away from home during the day you might want to consider crate training your dog. (See Crate Training Your Dog) Because of the instinct to see the crate as their den, most dogs will not soil their crate. If you're training a new puppy take advantage of this instinct by keeping him in his crate over night or in between walks. Another alternative is to hire a friend or a dog walker to take your puppy outside about every four hours.

For information on Crate Training, visit the Crate Training link above.