Housetraining Tips
If you decide to try paper training, choose an area that can be closed off and is easy to clean in case of an accident (bathroom, laundry room, etc.). You'll want to put your paper (newspaper, puppy pads, whatever) across the entire floor. This way, at first, no matter where the puppy does his business, it will be "right"... it'll be on the paper.
Of course, when he messes up a portion of the paper, dispose of it, and
re-paper that area. Slowly over a period of weeks take away one sheet of
paper/puppy pad at a time. Most pups will choose to go on the remaining paper.
If the puppy goes on the floor instead of the paper, the paper was probably
taken away too soon. Try a more gradual approach if this happens.
I have had puppy owners actually teach their pups to use a litter box using
unscented scoopable litter. I still prefer the tried and true outdoor method
because it's just so much easier once they are grown. It is a little more work
to train a puppy to go outdoors because you have to go out with them, too. But
in the long run, after about 8 months or so, you don't have the constant paper
in the house to clean up or litter boxes to change. It's a little bit of
headache for a long-term reward.
The easiest way I have found to train for outdoors is the crate method. They
stay in their crate through the night (with a puppy pad in case of an
accident) and first thing in the morning you whisk them outside. Not just
anywhere... the specific place in the yard that you would like them to make
their own little "bathroom." Somewhere away from foot traffic and
distractions. Take a small treat in your pocket, but don't let him know that
you have it and try to avoid letting him smell it.
Set him down and wait for 5 minutes. Don't talk to him, don't play... this is
serious business. If he keeps wanting your attention, pace back and forth, but
don't give him play-time attention. If he uses his "restroom", praise him
extravagantly and immediately give him a treat. After 5 minutes, if he has not
done anything, take him back inside, but do NOT put him down. Hold him
and time for an additional 5 minutes. He will resist doing any "business"
while you hold him. Take him back outside to the same spot and set him down
for another 5 minutes. If nothing, back inside to hold him for another 5
minutes. Repeat this process until he "goes" outside and you can praise and
treat him.
If he comes inside and has an accident
immediately, he probably either is too excited or he didn't
empty his bladder outside. No matter the reason, the next time you take him
outside, let him stay outside a few more minutes after doing his business to
make sure he is finished. Make coming back inside a calm experience to avoid
an accident because of excitement.
empty his bladder outside. No matter the reason, the next time you take him
outside, let him stay outside a few more minutes after doing his business to
make sure he is finished. Make coming back inside a calm experience to avoid
an accident because of excitement.
After eating, napping, crate time or an extended play time, take him out and repeat the process. At first, it's best to try at least every 2.5 hours or so. Always take a treat and always praise as if he has just deposited you a gold coin. On cold evenings when it's dark outside, I would give a gold coin just so mine would go out, do their business quickly, and run back in!!
When there are accidents in the house (and there will be), try to catch him
in the act. You cannot scold a puppy or even an
adult dog after the fact. They will not understand what you are scolding them
for,... even if you take them to the soiled spot. If you can catch him in the
act, clap your hands loudly and in a firm voice say, "NO... OUTSIDE", or
whatever command you use to send him outside. This serves as both correction
and instruction. You are letting him know that he has done wrong by going
inside, but also told him the correct place to commit the act, ...outside.
In any puppy's case, if there are ever physical
problems that cause elimination problems, (infections, worms, parasites,
etc.), it will affect the puppy's ability to control himself. You will need to
correct these problems before attempting to housetrain. Otherwise it will be
an exercise in futility, frustrating both you and the puppy.
