Housebreaking your new puppy may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of insight into dog psychology and these proven puppy training tips, your new pet will learn quickly. If he’s an adult dog who was never fully housebroken (he has accidents daily, weekly or monthly), you’ll find it’s best to treat him like a brand-new unhousebroken puppy.
1. Select the site. Before your new puppy enters your house, introduce him to the specific area of your yard you’ve already designated as his. He’ll soon associate it with bathroom breaks.
2. Visit it often. It’s best to take your new puppy outside about every two hours, as well as upon waking, after playing and feeding, and before going to bed. In addition, be alert to signals like sniffing and circling that may indicate he has to go.
3. Use his crate. When you can’t be there, crate your dog. Your puppy respects his new “den” and will avoid soiling it. If you purchase a crate large enough to accommodate his adult size, you can partition off part of the crate so he won’t go in a corner.
4. Correct him kindly. Accidents will happen. Remember that shouting, scolding and punishment serve no purpose and will only confuse your new puppy. Even if you catch him in mid-act, simply say, “No!” and immediately take him outside.
5. Praise him. Lavish praise on your dog each time he goes outside in his assigned spot. Speak in an upbeat voice, smile and reward him with treats after he does his business.
Whether your new friend is a puppy or adult dog, here are important tips to help keep him out of harm’s way:
- Keep household cleaners and chemicals out of his reach.
- Restrict access to plants that are dangerous to dogs: poinsettias, azaleas, rhododendrons, dumb cane, Japanese yew, oleander and English ivy, to name a few.
- Store breakable items safely out of the way.
- Hide or cover electrical cords so he won’t chew on them.
- Safely store antifreeze, engine oil, laundry detergents and lawn chemicals.
- Keep kids’ toys off the floor, since some parts may be small enough for your puppy or dog to swallow.
- Use a cover and/or protective fencing if you have a pool or a hot tub.
As the “parent” of a new puppy or new adult dog, it’s important for you to help him get used to his new surroundings. Think of him more as an infant than a pet – he’ll need plenty of patience, supervision and love.
Here’s how you can help him adjust:
- Bring your new puppy home when it’s quiet and you don’t have company. Also, choose a time when your routine is normal.
- Show your new puppy the area of your yard that will be his bathroom before bringing him inside; take him there whenever he goes outside.
- Give your new puppy his own room where you can keep his crate, complete with bedding and chew toys (leave the crate’s door open). He’ll feel safe in his “den.” Put down newspaper for accidents.
- Supervise your new puppy at all times, and play with him several times a day. You’ll help establish yourself as the pack leader.
- Give him bathroom breaks every few hours and right after eating, drinking, sleeping and playing (watch for signals like sniffing and circling). Never punish your new puppy dog for accidents; instead, praise him when he goes in his outdoor spot.
Introducing Other Pets
- Here’s how to help him meet your resident animals:
- Do it gradually. Keep them separated for the first few days.
- Keep your new puppy safely in his crate (or behind an expandable doorway gate) as you supervise their first meeting.
- After several days of sniffing each other, let your resident pet enter the den while your new puppy is out of his crate.