Housebreaking a puppy isn't hard but it does take time and commitment on your part. It's best to start when the puppy is young before he's developed any bad habits. It takes a bit longer to potty train older puppies and dogs, but it's the same process.

You need patience! You are establishing a relationship and setting a foundation of communication that will be the basis of future training. Keep it positive always. Don't make a big deal out of accidents that are sure to happen now and then. Just ignore the puppy and quietly clean up the mess.

Plan Your Schedule

It's important to anticipate when your puppy will need to potty and take him outside beforehand. Time your outings about 15-20 minutes after he wakes up in the morning, after his meals, after naps and before bedtime. Young puppies will likely have to make a visit outside during the night as well.

Plan for your daily schedule to revolve around your puppy for a while, taking him outside:

• As soon as he wakes up in the morning

• After he's finished his breakfast

• After he wakes from his naps

• After he eats his lunch

• After dinner

• Before he goes to bed

• If he wakes up during the night and whimpers

When you go out with your puppy, even if he's in the yard and not on a leash, it's important to stay near him so you can immediately praise him when he's done his potty. Stay outside and play with him for a few minutes or let him romp a while before going back inside so he doesn't learn to stall doing his business so he can stay outside and play longer. That isn't a lesson you want him to learn!

Giving him a simple, happy command like "piddles" or "poop time" as soon as he begins to potty can sometimes help to speed the process once he starts to make the connection.

When your puppy is older, he will be better able to "hold it" and control his elimination. At that point, your trips outside, especially during the night, will be less frequent. The rate of maturity is different for all dogs, but by 4 months so you'll see fewer accidents. The key is always vigilance on your part!

There are two reasons, besides the annoyance of having to clean up messes, that you want to avoid your puppy eliminating in the house. The first is that it rewards the puppy with the relief of being able to potty. The second is that once urine is in the carpet or tile grout, that scent is always there and it can be stimulating for future accidents in the same spot, even by other dogs.

When Puppy is Left Alone

You can help avoid accidents when you are away from your puppy by placing him in a crate or small playpen where he's comfortable and feels secure. Only leave him there for as short a time as necessary since you don't want him to view this as a punishment. Instead, your puppy's crate needs to be a comfortable and safe haven for him with his toys and bed.

An area in your home that isn't carpeted, such as your kitchen, where the door can be gated with a kiddie-gate can also be used if you don't want to use a crate. Create a comfortable corner for your puppy with his bed and toys for him to nap and play when you can't be with him.

The task of potty training a puppy doesn't have to be unpleasant! Rather, think of it as the bonding and relationship building experience that it is, one that is the beginning of a long and wonderful friendship when done positively. You will see faster results housebreaking your puppy, the more fun you make it.