The Best Way to House Train a Young Puppy
- 1). Find a spot outdoors where you can take your puppy whenever he needs to relieve himself and during the house training exercises. Try to use the same spot during the initial phases of house training. This will help the puppy associate the area with going to the bathroom outdoors.
- 2). Confine your puppy to his crate or small pen. Make sure the crate or pen is comfortable, but not too large. There should be just enough space for him to stand up, turn around and lie down. There should also be enough room for his food and water dishes. If you lack a crate or pen, you can attach a leash to the puppy's collar and tether him to your chair so that you can keep an eye on him.
- 3). When outside in the area you have chosen to take your dog, circle the spot for about three to four minutes. If the puppy goes to the bathroom, repeat the cue word. Once she finishes, praise her immediately and offer her a treat. If your puppy doesn't go to the bathroom after four minutes, take her back inside and place her in the crate or pen or tether her to the chair once again. Wait another 20 minutes and take him back outside and repeat the process.
- 4). Circle the spot for about three to four minutes. If your puppy goes to the bathroom, repeat the cue word. Once he finishes, praise him immediately and offer him a treat. If your puppy doesn't go to the bathroom after four minutes, take him back inside and place him in the crate or pen or tether her to the chair once again. Wait another 20 minutes and take the puppy back outside and repeat the process.
- 5). Allow your puppy to play inside the house after he has gone to the bathroom outside. Along with the treat, this is the puppy's reward for doing a good job.
- 6). Place your puppy back in the crate or pen or tether him once more. Continue taking him outside once every hour. Continue this regimen for as long as it takes. It should take several weeks to house train most puppies, though some smaller breeds will require more time.
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