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Housebreaking Your Puppy
from: The Complete DogMost animals born in a nest instinctively want to get away from the nest when they have to relieve themselves. They do so without having to be taught when they're able to do so. Dogs are the same and by the time they've about three weeks old, they start to leave their sleeping area to urinate. Your task is to teach them that the house is your nest, and they're required to move outside when they want to do their business. br>
You should take your puppy outside to the same spot in your yard or garden: br>
1. Shortly after feeding, playing, exercise and any excitement. br>
2. Immediately upon waking. br>
3. First thing in the morning. br>
4. Last thing at night. br>
5. Once every hour. br>
It's important to stay outside with the pup, and patiently wait. When he begins, say a phrase such as "Be clean!". When he's done, praise enthusiastically and then you can play a game with him. Keep the area clean by picking up any mess and flushing it down the toilet. br>
When puppies are outdoors they can be easily distracted, so it's important that you're patient and stay with him until he's settled down. If you leave him, he'll likely scamper to the back door and try to get back in with you. When you let him in, the stress of separation, along with his increased excitement and exercise, will probably make him want to go, and you'll have a mess inside to clean up and a puppy that's still not educated. br>
However, there's no need to stay outdoors for hours waiting for him to go. Wait for a few minutes only, and if nothing happens, take him inside and try again a later. At any time of the day if you see him sniffing the floor and circling or getting ready to squat, quickly interrupt him and take him outside. Let him walk. Don't pick him up, or he won't learn the vital link in the process, which is: "When I need to go, I need to get to the back door and into the garden." br>
If you ever catch him in the act of going in the house, shout! What you shout is immaterial, but it must to be loud enough to get his total attention and to stop him mid-flow, but not so loud that he runs for cover. Don't punish or get angry since this stress will only inhibit your puppy's learning process. He'll also begin to avoid going to the toilet in front of you because he knows it makes you angry and will sneak away to do it, making it harder for you to teach him the correct behavior. br>
Once you've shouted, run away from him, toward the back door, calling him enthusiastically to encourage him to follow. Go outside to your chosen spot and wait until he's relaxed and finished what he started earlier. Say your chosen phrase as he goes, praise him, and play with him as usual. Take him back into the house and put him in another room while you clean up any mess. br>
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