"how do I housetrain my puppy"

Inevitably, one of the first questions new puppy owners ask our trainer is how to housetrain their puppy. Here are a few quick tips to get started:

1. You need some type of confinement area for when you cannot supervise your puppy. Most puppies will not soil a crate that is properly sized (large enough for the pup to stand up, lie down comfortably and turn around in). You will want to introduce the crate slowly, with a great chew toy.

2. The general maximum crating hourly rule is the age of puppy in months plus one. Be aware that this general rule of thumb may not apply to all puppies. Some puppies may need to be let out more frequently. It is important not to overuse the crate. If you have to be out for very long hours, then it may be a better bet to set up a puppy proofed enclosure. Read more about that house training strategy here.

3. Supervise, supervise, supervise. If the puppy is not in the crate/puppy proofed area, then you need to be watching the puppy.

4. Interrupt the puppy if he makes a mistake, but no drama is needed. Just say "oops!" and pick up the puppy and take him outside. Clean up with a product made for this (i.e. Nature's Miracle, Simple Solution). Do not use an ammonia based cleaner. Keep in mind, occasional house training accidents are part of owning a puppy.

5. Reward the puppy with a great treat for relieving himself in the desired location.

Most pups are housetrained between the ages of 4-6 months (with the exception of some toy breeds that may take longer). In some situations, alternative techniques (such as pad training) may be needed.

Persistent house soiling may indicate that something else is going on. Everything from anxious and fearful behavior problems to health issues can impact house training. Our trainer can help in both educating owners how to housetrain their own dog/puppy and troubleshoot challenges. Contact us to learn more.

Can you house train my puppy for me?

Sorry, we cannot. Logistically, our trainer would have to move into your home in order to do that! Additionally, because house training does not always transfer to new locations, we do not recommend board and train type programs for house training. Moreover, we believe that it is important for new puppy owners to spend time with their puppy and work with their puppy through these typical puppy challenges. The process of working through challenges like house training sets the groundwork for a positive long term relationship with the dog!

Make sure to read our article on puppy socialization!

See our puppy training videos!

© 2011 Cooperative Paws Training and Behavior Consulting

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Chloe, a Havanese puppy and one of our adorable graduates.