Housebreak A Puppy Fast

Introduction

This tutorial provides essential tips for effectively housebreaking your puppy, ensuring fewer accidents in your home. Whether you're a new puppy owner or looking to refine your training methods, these actionable steps will help you successfully teach your puppy to potty outside.

Step 1: Start Training Immediately

• Begin potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home.
• Puppies can generally hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age. For example, a 2-month-old puppy can hold it for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Take your puppy outside frequently, especially:
  • After waking up
  • 10 minutes after eating
  • After playing for about 15 minutes

Step 2: Use a Leash for Outdoor Potty Time

• Keep your puppy on a leash when taking them outside to avoid distractions.
• Stand still and wait patiently for your puppy to potty. This ensures they focus on the task at hand rather than exploring.
• Reward your puppy immediately after they go potty in the desired spot outside.

Step 3: Avoid Incorrect Rewards

• Do not reward your puppy when they return inside after pottying; this confuses them as it rewards entry instead of the act of going outside.
• Ensure you have treats ready to reinforce the correct behavior effectively.

Step 4: Manage Indoor Space

• Limit your puppy's access to one room at a time until they are more reliable with their potty habits.
• Use baby gates to confine them to a safe area, like the kitchen or dining room, to prevent accidents and keep them safe.
• Gradually allow access to more rooms as your puppy demonstrates consistent good behavior.

Step 5: Handle Accidents Properly

• If your puppy has an accident indoors, do not scold them. Instead, clean the area thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner like Nature's Miracle to eliminate odors.
• Reflect on the accident: Did you take your puppy out frequently enough? Were they overly excited or distracted?

Step 6: Teach Bell Training

• Consider bell training your puppy to signal when they need to go outside.
• This method helps your puppy communicate their needs more clearly, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Step 7: Use Resources for Support

• Utilize tools like the FREE Puppy Training Starter Kit to access schedules, cheat sheets, and additional potty training tips.
• Track your puppy's potty habits using a potty training chart to identify patterns and maintain consistency.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can efficiently housebreak your puppy and reduce accidents in your home. Start training immediately, manage their environment, and ensure proper rewards for successful potty trips. For continued success, consider using available resources and tools to support your training efforts and track your puppy's progress. Happy training!