How do I housebreak my dog?
The most critical thing is to avoid giving your puppy opportunities to
have accidents inside, and to praise him profusely whenever he eliminates where
you want him to, be it on newspaper or "puppy pads" in his
puppy-proofed area or outside. This means that your puppy should be constantly
supervised inside the house until he has not eliminated indoors for at least
four to eight weeks. You must also go outside with him, so that you can praise
him when he eliminates outdoors. Watch for signals, such as sniffing and
circling, and be sure to take him out every few hours, especially when he first
wakes up, immediately after eating and before and after playtime. Suddenly, the
light will dawn! A puppy has a very short attention span, so punishing him
after the fact is useless and may instead teach your dog not to eliminate in
your presence.
Why is crate training recommended?
The crate should not be a place of punishment, but a sanctuary where your
dog can retreat to rest and be secure. Provide toys and treats to make the
crate a pleasant place. It helps to put the crate where people are during the day
or in the bedroom at night. This way the dog will be safe but not lonely. A
radio or television can help keep the dog quiet when you are out. Play with
your puppy and take him out to eliminate before you confine him to his crate,
and do not leave him there for such a long time that he has no choice but to
eliminate in the crate. If you will be out for extended periods, you may want
to puppy-proof a small room or use an exercise pen to reinforce your dog's
natural desire to keep his bed clean.
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