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Housebreaking

This is the best method I have found to work if you follow it precisely, and everyone in your family is consistent with doing the same thing and continuing to do so throughout the puppy's life. This method will be the most effective way to get your puppy house-trained quickly.

 

There is no gray area when training a puppy!

Image by Helena Lopes

Ready-Set-Train!

1. Set Up a Controlled Area

  • When you first bring your puppy home, do NOT give them full run of the house.

  • Designate a small area (preferably with no carpet), such as the kitchen or a playpen, where your puppy can stay.

  • Do not expand access to other parts of your home until your puppy has gone a very long time without accidents.

     

2. Prepare a Crate

  • Have a crate ready before your puppy arrives. This will be their space for:

    • Sleeping

    • Staying when you are away

    • Taking breaks or downtime during the day

  • Make the crate a positive and cozy place with a blanket and a chew toy.

     

3. Establish a Potty Area

  • Choose one designated outdoor area for your puppy to use as a potty spot.

  • Always exit through the same door and go to the same spot every time.

  • Do not change the routine.

     

4. Create a Feeding & Potty Schedule

  • Feed your puppy at the same time every day.

  • Take your puppy outside every 2 hours, regardless of whether they’ve eaten.

  • Key times when puppies usually need to go:

    • After eating or drinking

    • After waking from a nap

    • After playtime

       

5. Use Consistent Commands

  • Begin teaching your puppy the command “go potty” by saying it each time you take them out.

  • When your puppy eliminates outside, praise enthusiastically—give hugs, kisses, and even a small treat.

     

6. What to Do If They Don’t Go

  • If your puppy doesn’t go within 5–10 minutes:

    • Bring them back inside and keep a very close eye on them.

    • You can put them on a leash near you or return them to the crate with a toy to keep them busy.

    • Try again in about 30 minutes.

       

7. Crate to Potty Routine

  • In the beginning, carry your puppy from the crate directly to the potty area to avoid accidents.

  • If not using the crate, watch closely for signs they need to go, such as:

    • Circling

    • Pacing

    • Intense sniffing

    • Sudden pause during play

  • The moment you see any of these, gently pick up your puppy and take them outside.

     

8. Overnight Routine

  • Your puppy should sleep in the crate overnight.

  • Initially, they may need to go out during the night.

  • By around 14 weeks, many puppies will sleep through the night without accidents.

     

9. Remember the Two Golden Rules: Watch and Confine

  • These are the two most important concepts in housebreaking.

  • Giving your puppy full run of the house too early is a big mistake.

  • Using a crate is not cruel—what’s cruel is repeatedly scolding or punishing a puppy for accidents.

     

10. Be Positive and Patient

  • Never get physical or verbally loud with your puppy. This can:

    • Make them afraid to go potty in front of you

    • Lead them to hide accidents in places you can’t see

  • Instead, be calm, patient, consistent, and diligent.

     

11. Regulate Input to Regulate Output

  • Monitor what and when your puppy eats and drinks to help predict when they’ll need to go.

     

12. Clean Accidents Properly

  • If an accident happens, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all scent traces.

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