So you decided to take the plunge and get a new puppy. Congratulations, you are about to start a long and fulfilling relationship. However, that relationship will be completely strained and may even break if you don’t learn how to properly educate your puppy. Here are 3 specific steps you can take to housetrain your puppy in no time.
The most important aspect of housebreaking is realizing that your pup is 100% capable of keeping up with your business until you have to get out. You shouldn’t make excuses for your pup, or he’ll start to think he’s okay if he doesn’t come out. Also remember that different breeds require different needs when it comes to nutrition and other aspects of their life, and if any of them are out of balance, it could make your housetraining much more difficult than it needs to be.
First, the absolutely most important aspect of teaching your dog to go outside is establishing a routine. You don’t have to be around 24/7, but you should get in the habit of taking your pup out at the same time every day, no matter when it is.
Second, don’t wait too long to take your pup out. The rule of thumb is that for every month of age, your pup can wait an extra hour to go outside. For example, a 4-month-old puppy can wait 4 hours between going to the bathroom. This is a very rough rule of thumb, but it should give you a place to start.
Lastly, crate train your dog before you even try to house train him. This will give you peace of mind when you have to leave your dog alone, and it will teach him to be consistent, which, as we discussed, is the key to a quick housetrain.