Housebreaking Tips for Puppies
Are you looking for housebreaking tips for puppies? While teaching a puppy to go to the bathroom outside rather than in the house is a challenging task, it's certainly not one that's impossible. Housebreaking success requires consistency, patience and using the right techniques to help your new pet learn appropriate potty habits.
Select a Training Command
Choose a particular word or phrase to use as a housebreaking command. This command should be used when your puppy is in a location where it is acceptable for him or her to go to the bathroom. Choose any word that makes sense to you, and use it consistently throughout your housebreaking training efforts.
Consistent Schedule
Set and follow a consistent schedule for taking your puppy outside so that your pet begins to develop a sense of routine for going to the bathroom. Ideally, choose a time that is approximately 30 minutes after feeding your dog, as well as a few other times throughout the day.
Consistent Location
In addition to choosing consistent times to take your puppy outside for a bathroom break, it's also advisable to select a particular location for each break to take place. Choosing a consistent location is a great way to reinforce the habit of going to the bathroom in an appropriate place.
Focus On Positive Rewards
Punishment isn't really an effective housebreaking technique. Instead of punishing your puppy when accidents occur, focus your efforts on providing praise when he or she exhibits desired bathroom behaviors.
Realistic Expectations
When housebreaking your puppy, make sure that your expectations are realistic. Remember that housebreaking takes time! While it would be great if your puppy learned what to do immediately, it's not realistic to expect perfection right away. Remember that accidents are inevitable, especially in the beginning!
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Be Patient
Perhaps the most important housebreaking tip of all is to remember that patience is the key to success. No matter how stressful the housebreaking process seems, remember that it's worth the effort!
More Housebreaking Advice
Do you want to learn more about effective housebreaking techniques? For additional housebreaking tips for puppies, see: