sevenrules

Seven Rules for Successful House-training

Congratulations on your new puppy! Even if you've been through this before, one tends to forget exactly what it's like living with a puppy. The sight of a frolicking baby exploring a new world, the sweet smell of puppy breath, the warmth of the furry body sleeping on your lap. Then there is the prick of needle-like puppy teeth, stepping in a warm puddle in your bare feet, and standing outside at 3am, in the rain, waiting for puppy to do his business.

The first few weeks are wonderful and difficult. You will work hard and lose sleep. And you will cherish the memories and forget the inconvenience.

*NOTE: These rules should also be applied to house-training an older dog.

RULE #1 No punishment for accidents.

Any mistakes that happen are your fault! Hit yourself over the head with a rolled up newspaper!
If you follow the guidelines carefully there is no need for accidents.

RULE #2 Puppies are predictable.

Your puppy will need to go outside:
- Immediately upon waking. This includes naps.
- Right after a vigorous play or chew session.
- 20-40 minutes after eating or drinking.
- At least every 3 hours during the first few weeks.
Stick to a schedule! Nothing is more important in avoiding accidents.
- You can get 6 straight hours of sleep at night if you follow a schedule religiously.

RULE #3 You are not only dealing with learning but also with physical limitations.

Your puppy's immature body can only go without relieving itself for:
- its' age in months plus one
Example: A two month old puppy is only physically capable of going three hours without urinating or defecating.

RULE #4 The crate is your friend.

Crate training is a good idea for a lot of reasons but is is a big aid to house-training.
Crate your puppy whenever you cannot directly supervise him.
- Direct supervision means you are interacting with the puppy or are tethered to him.
Crate your puppy sometimes even if you could supervise him, just so he becomes accustomed to being happy in the crate.
At night your puppy should be crated in your room. He will be comforted by being able to see, hear, and smell you nearby.

RULE #5 You must go outside with your puppy.

Take your puppy outside on a leash. Take him to the same spot in the yard every time. It is so much easier to only have to clean up one area of the yard!
When the pup relieves himself, click and treat (or praise and reward). What a good dog!
- Now is a good time for some exercise or a training session. Throw a ball, chase each other around the yard, go for a walk, or practice some basic behaviors.
Start to add a cue as the puppy squats. "Hurry up", "Go potty", "Do your thing". Doesn't matter what you use as long as you are consistent. Remember to reward. Soon the pup will squat as soon as you give the cue.
If the puppy doesn't go, no fun and games. Take him back inside, crate him, and try again in 15-20 minutes.

RULE #6 "Out of sight" can equate to "in trouble".

I like the "umbilical method" of keeping the pup tethered to you. Clip a leash to your belt loop. No need to wonder where the puppy is or what he is doing.
Using this method you will quickly learn your pups' "need to go" signals.

RULE #7 Clean up accidents properly.

You must thoroughly remove the odor or the scent will be an open invitation to use that spot again. Club soda or vinegar just don't cut it. Use an enzymatic deodorizer like:
- Natures' Miracle, Anti-Icky-Poo, or Outright Pet Odor Eliminator.

Follow the rules and your puppy will learn quickly. Enjoy your puppy and don't forget to socialize!

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