Obedience Dog Training:
Puppy house Training
By Jan Hoadley

You can figure normally about 20-30 minutes after a meal and big drink of water he'll have to go again so be watching him closely. Young puppies don't have the control needed to put it off for long. When you're sure he has to go persist with "go pee" and "go potty" - at first he'll play around and take forever...don't give up too soon or you'll get what many frustrated owners do - he comes in, goes on the carpet then goes for a nap. Puppies usually have to go every 2 hours, something you can somewhat help him manipulate by giving his meals at regular times, drinks at set times.

Some trainers suggest picking up all food and water about four hours before bedtime. This way when you take him out at bedtime it's easier for him to make it all night. The bonus - he'll learn to look forward to that morning meal and it really means something to go outside!

It's important to also remember that punishment seldom works in puppy house training. A common result is a puppy having to go, 'hiding' it and you find it much later - and he gets away with going in the home. Never rub a puppy's nose in it or swat him with a newspaper by the mess. Verbal commands, praise and a schedule are most effective in teaching puppy house training. If your puppy "bugs" you be sure you check that he doesn't have to go - if you ignore him because you're busy you may find he's trying to tell you he had to go out.

Paper training is used by many for housebreaking, and there's an increase especially in small breeds of using litter boxes for dogs as well as cats. There is a difference however - dogs aren't impressed with the scented choices of litter. Some find an "earthy" smell attracts them to a chosen area if you are going to do this.

Chemically treated pads are available, usually marketed as "puppy pads" or "house training pads." Be aware that using these if they miss the paper or pad even slightly there is a mess to clean. With the resulting odor, they then think that is their potty area.

By nature the odors we find unpleasant dogs don't. Dogs urinate to mark their territory.

Housebreaking is a high-intensity project early in a dog's life, but well worth the effort. Patience, praise and consistency will go a long ways in housebreaking your puppy. The same principles will also apply to older dogs that have not been taught proper housebreaking.