Dog house training 101

When to begin – Begin house training in earnest when a puppy is about 12-14 weeks old. Before then, a dog does not have full bladder and bowel control.  However, you can begin establishing a routine as soon as you bring your puppy home. 

Pick the relief spot – Select a spot outside that is quiet and close to the door.  

Set a schedule based on the dog’s age. The suggestions in the dog house training chart are a guideline. Get to know your dog’s needs and set a schedule that meets them.

Establish a routine for the dog – The first thing every morning and the last thing every night, take the dog outside. Feed him at the same times each day and take him outside within 15 minutes after he eats. About 8 p.m. pick up the puppy’s water. Puppies need all the water they can drink but not necessarily available every minute. Always take a dog out after eating, playing, sleeping, and being confined to a crate. Until he is trained, keep a constant eye on your dog.

The potty ritual – In house training a dog, it helps to consistently use a phrase like “time to go out,” and take the dog outside to the relief spot. Wait quietly while he relieves himself or you can use another popular phrase like “go potty” that he can associate with relieving himself. After he goes, reward the dog with lavish praise and lots of petting. Only after he has relieved himself should he be allowed to play. If he doesn’t go, take him back inside and confine the dog to his crate or designated space. Take him back out in 10 to 20 minutes. 

Dog crate as a house training aid – Dogs instinctively want to keep their sleeping space clean. Use the crate as a bed and as a safe place for the dog whenever you’re gone or cannot watch him. Encourage him to go into the crate by tossing a toy or treat inside while commanding “crate” or “kennel”. Once inside, praise him and close the door. After a moment, let the dog back out. Repeat the exercise, gradually extending his time inside. As a general rule, a puppy can safely be left in his crate the number of hours that equal his age in months plus one – 2 months equals 3 hours.

Mistakes – A puppy is a baby dog, so expect accidents. It’s not his fault. Correct a puppy’s mistakes only when you catch him in the act. With a firm “NO!” pick him up and take him to the relief spot. Never punish a puppy by yelling, hitting, or banishing him to his crate. If you come upon an accident, clean it up without comment. A dog simply will not make the connection between human aggression and his mistake. Aggression toward a dog is not helpful in house training. Remember: the only thing a dog learns from human aggression is how to be an aggressive dog.

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