Housetraining Your New Puppy

Housetraining your puppy is an important step to a happy puppy.  It is a commitment that should last about 2 weeks, but can vary between puppies.  It is important to establish a certain area in the yard as a toilet area for your puppy.

Scheduling

It is important to keep your puppy on a good schedule and try to stick to it as closely as possible.  While housetraining don’t allow your puppy to be free-fed or alone in the household.  Avoid snacks that may cause upset stomachs or lead to diarrhea and unwanted accidents.  Schedule time for naps and be sure to take them outside when they wake up.  Schedule meals and then take your puppy outside about a half an hour after every meal.  You may need to go out a few times and be sure to praise  your puppy when they have done well.

Supervise the House

When in the house keep a close eye on your puppy.  Ensure that they are not getting into trouble or wandering and whimpering when needing to go outside.  Have the puppy on a leash and have toys available for the puppy to play with.  When you are not around confine the puppy to a small area or in a kennel.  If your puppy has an accident firmly say “NO” and clean up the mess, but if you didn’t catch them in the act then you can’t discipline them for it.  If you catch your puppy in the act say “NO” and take them to the toilet area outside.

Leaving the House

Feed your puppy about 2 hours before you leave.  Take the puppy outside and if after 5minutes the puppy hasn’t gone then wait about half an hour and go out again.  While gone, confine your puppy to a small area or kennel.