Kids and Dogs - Housebreaking Your Puppy/Dog

Most puppies are too young to be held responsible for their bladder and bowel habits. A pup will go to the bathroom in the right place sometimes. That may be because she learns fast and is smart, or it may be an accident that was just lucky. It is your job to create opportunities for your pup to be successful and to go in the correct place, outside.

Remember these things!

• Always take your puppy out FIRST thing in the morning, before you do anything.
• Always take your puppy out FIRST thing after eating a meal.

Use a timer or a clock, set it at 30 minutes, and take your puppy out each time the bell rings. If she doesn't relieve herself, just praise her for going outside. As she gets older, you can increase the time. You only need to stay outside with her for a few minutes. Then take her out again every 30 minutes. Learn to read her body language. When a puppy starts circling or sniffing around, pick her up and take her outside FAST.

• NEVER leave your pup unattended in the house or even a room at a young age. A dog should not be left alone in a house until they are at least one year old, sometimes two. Make sure they have been well-behaved and trustworthy with their bathroom habits first.
• When you can't watch her, put your puppy in the yard, a pen, or a crate with some toys. But don't forget about her and don't leave her out there too long!
• Don't offer your puppy any water or food after 8 PM, and make sure she goes outside to relieve herself just before bedtime. DO NOT let her roam free during the night. She should be confined.
• Never yell at your dog or push her nose in her messes. She is very young. Human babies don't learn to use the toilet until they are two or three years old, right? Don't ask too much of your puppy. Give her opportunities to be successful.
• Be sure to clean up the areas in the house where your dog has already messed in. Use something that will take away any odor that is there. Dogs will mess again if they can smell the areas. 

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