Housetraining your new Puppy

Housetraining your new pup should begin on the very first day it comes home with you. Most breeds pick it up very quickly. It is usually the biggest concern that new owners have, but once your puppy is housetrained you forget that it ever was an issue.

Start by confining your new puppy to an area of the house so that you have more control. A puppy crate that your pup can sleep in is always a good idea to start off with and makes housetraining much easier. Consistently take your puppy outside as soon as he wakes up in the morning, after naps, immediately after his meals and drinking, and just before bedtime to develop a routine. This simple technique should have your pup housetrained in less than a month.

If you don't have an outdoor area, you can train your puppy using newspaper. Spread them out on the floor and gradually reduce the covered area every 1 - 2 days. Do not expect too much too soon. Puppies have very small bladders and will have to go during the night.

Lavish your puppy with praise when he gets it right. Consistency is the key as your puppy will then depend on going outside at the same time everyday. If your puppy has an accident, take him out immediately. A mild scolding is only effective if you catch him in the act and never rub your pup's nose or face into the soiled area. Your patience and consistency will be rewarded very quickly with the correct housetraining methods.