Learning About Dog Training

Housebreaking (or potty training) your new puppy is something all puppies should know, but one that can be difficult to teach. It requires a lot of training and patience on your part. Not all puppies will pick up on this training right away, so it may take a little bit of time. Keep working and stay on the same type of schedule in order to help your puppy learn. Read on for tips to housebreak your puppy.

Crate Train

Using a crate to help train your puppy is important. The crate helps confine your puppy in a small area so your puppy doesn't have free reign of your entire house where he can go potty all over the place. The crate should be kept small enough that he cannot use it for a potty place, but still has enough room to turn around and lay down (and stand up) inside. Giving him too much space in the crate will give him space to go potty, which is not what you want. Puppies usually will not potty where they sleep, which is why the crate is a great tool to use. The crate should be used as a training tool, not as a place for punishment. Your puppy should feel comfortable in the crate and it should feel like their "home" or "bed".

Use the crate when you aren't home, or at night when you can't keep your eyes on your puppy.

Schedule Meal Times

Try your best to stay on schedule when you feed your puppy. If feeding twice per day, try to keep those times around the same time each day. This helps keep your puppy on a schedule. Allow plenty of time for your puppy to digest their food and water and give your puppy a potty break after eating. Doing this each day will allow your puppy to get scheduled and understand your schedule as well.

Allow Plenty Of Potty Times

Your puppy has a small bladder, so each time your puppy eats or drinks you should allow him to go outside to go potty. Take your new puppy outside each hour at first, then you can taper off after that. Also take your puppy out immediately if you notice him sniffing around, it may be a sign that he is looking for a place to go potty. 

Use Positive Reinforcement With Treats

Give your puppy treats when he goes potty outside as he should. If your puppy has an accident inside, tell him no in a stern voice and take him outside immediately. Tell him "go potty outside" when you get him out the door. If he happens to go potty outside again, give him a treat. Your puppy will eventually understand that he should go potty outside and not in the house.

Keep an eye on your puppy and watch for signs that he needs to go potty. Try to remain patient while going through this training process, as it can be daunting at times. Your puppy needs you to train him, so keep working and don't give up on your puppy. For more information or assistance, contact companies like Orlando Dog Training - K9 Counselor.