Tips to housebreak a puppy
When you look into that cute, wrinkly puppy dog face, it may be easy to forget about the responsibilities that come with owning a new puppy. The need to complete those responsibilities like puppy potty training become evident very quickly, but can be fairly difficult to execute. When you decide to potty train your puppy there are a few important topics that you'll want to keep in mind. This article will outline those concepts and help you housebreak your puppy.

Where do I start when I potty train my dog?

Potty training your puppy may seem like a simple concept. It is all about making your pour puppy to pass feces outside the house or in a certain area. However getting your puppy to follow through and go in that particular area can be extremely difficult and time consuming. There are few different methods which can help you toilet train your new puppy. However a majority of these methods incorporate the same basic components. These core components are listed below

Establish a specific bathroom area

Potty training your puppy will be much easier for both of you when there is an established place for your puppy to pass the stools. This can be either inside or outside, but need to remain the same throughout puppy potty tr aining process. Your puppy can smell his or her area and will take that smell as a clue.

Clean up accidents quickly

Since your puppy will associate the smell of his or her urine, it is important that any accident spots are quickly cleaned up using an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the organic material and eliminate the odor instead of just covering it up. If you choose not to use a special cleaner, ensure that you refrain from using any cleaners like ammonia, which your puppy can mistake as an eliminating area because of the scent they leave.

Anticipate your puppy's bathroom needs

To help your puppy with potty training process, anticipate when he or she will need to pass urine or stools and have him in the right spot. As a general rule of thumb puppies should go to the bathroom at least every few hours. In most circumstances you can determine your puppy's need by taking his or her age in months and adding 1. For instance, a five month old puppy should go to the bathroom at least once every 6 hours. The longest time gap for any dog irrespective of the age is 8 hours.

Puppies generally need to go to the bathroom immediately upon waking either from a nap or during the night. Another good tip is to take your puppy out in the morning and immediately before bed.

Puppies also need to use the restroom shortly after they eat or drink. This time can vary from 5 to 10 minutes up to a half hour or so. Your puppy's pattern will become more apparent with time. Developing a feeding schedule will help you identify your puppy's bathroom needs.

Puppies often need to go to the bathroom after they are frightened or involved in strenuous activities or play.

Many puppies will display certain behaviors when they need to go to the bathroom. For instance, some puppies will walk in circles or sniff when they need to go. If you see your puppy exhibiting this type of behavior, offer them a potty break just in case.

Keep distractions to a minimum

Try to keep distractions to a minimum when it's time for your puppy to go to the bathroom. Don't play with him or her until after she or he has finished.

Supervise your puppy as often as possible. If your puppy has an accident quickly rush him or her to the right area. Try no to frighten her as she may mistakenly think it's wrong to excrete in your presence instead of excreting in the wrong area. Do not berate your puppy or rub his or her nose in it. This is counter productive and will lessen the trust in your relationship and may actually result in regressive behaviors.

Use a crate or other barrier for sleeping

Use a crate or other barrier for sleeping and housing your puppy when supervision is unavailable. Your puppy will refrain from excreting in his or her sleeping area if left unsupervised for a long time. Make sure the area is sufficient but not too large or they will use a part of it as a bathroom. Also slowly introduce your puppy to the crate so that he or she understands the purpo se and is not afraid of it.

Positive reinforcement

Offer your puppy plenty of praise and affection when they excrete in the correct area. Just like kids puppies love attention and want to replicate the behaviors that bring about positive rewards. Offer plenty of praise when your puppy gets it right and don't stop once he or she has mastered potty training.

Medical conditions

If after persistent and consistent attempts in training your puppy is still having problems with accidents, have him or her medically examined to ensure there are no medical issues. Sometimes conditions such as urinary infections and separation anxiety can contribute to accidents and complicate potty training your puppy.

If you follow the tips outlined above, puppy potty training will be a smooth and relatively pain free experience for both you and your puppy.