Housebreaking Tips

Use the following tips and techniques in conjunction with crate training in order to housebreak your dog:

• The amount of time that your new dog can be kept in its crate will need to start at short intervals and then gradually lengthened. Once trained, an adult animal can control its bladder for up to 10 hours at night.

• Puppies cannot be left in crates more than three or four hours at a time. A puppy will need  time and training to develop the muscles. Plan on taking your puppy out 45 minutes after it eats or drinks.

• When your new dog is out of their crate, keep your eye and leash on them. If they start to relieve themselves, tell them “no!” and quickly grab the leash or the dog and rush them outside.

• When your dog relieves itself in the specific or appropriate place, praise them verbally and perhaps with a small treat.

 • Keep in mind that smaller dogs have smaller bladders and might need to go out more often than large dogs.

• Do not punish your dog for any accidents in the house, as it is not an efficient mode of training and can traumatize your dog, causing him to fear you.

• Make sure that you carefully clean up any accidents with an enzymatic cleanser that will remove any trace of the waste, as animals are inclined to eliminate in areas that smell of urine or feces.

• All dogs will have accidents inside—it’s through your consistent training, praise, and routine that

you will minimize them till your pet is 100% housebroken.