Housebreaking Your Puppy

Potty training your puppy shouldn't be a negative experience for you, or your puppy. A successful housebreaking should take approximately 2 weeks for newly acquired puppies that are from uneventful backgrounds. For puppies who have experienced negative upbringings in their first two  months of life, it could take up to 10 weeks. With determination and a set schedule, it is possible to successfully train your puppy without a major hitch. It is very important to have your new pet seen by a veterinarian before you proceed with housebreaking to determine that your puppy is healthy and has no illnesses that would hinder a positive housebreaking experience. You must also be able to set aside the time it takes to train your puppy. If you have a busy daily schedule, training will be more complicated and could possibly take longer.

Designate a specific area, either within the home or outside, for your puppy to relieve itself. If you choose an indoor environment, make sure that you have proper covering on the floor for easy removal after your puppy successfully uses the potty. Or, if you prefer that your puppy uses the outdoors, have a leash, collar, and designated outside area handy.

The first rule in training your puppy to housebreak is to never, under any circumstance, hit, chase, or yell at your puppy. These actions make it more difficult to train your puppy, and sometimes they also cause your puppy to associate you with negative experiences. Setting aside time for your puppy and keeping the puppy within eyesight at all times makes it easier for you to know when your pet may need to go to the bathroom. Study its mannerisms whenever your puppy does have an accident outside of its bathroom area. Most times you will find that the puppy's attitude changes and becomes distracted as it searches for an area to relieve itself. You will also be able to tell in time the difference between your puppy's natural curiosity of its surroundings, and when it is searching for an area to potty.

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