Perfect Puppy Training Book – Chapter 4 – Housetraining (Part 2)
Chapter 4 – Housetraining (Part 2)
Housetraining: The Basics
Now that you’ve set up everything for a successful housetraining program, it’s time to actually train your puppy to potty outside.
Step 1:
- Attach a leash to your puppy. Puppies are easily distracted; one second your dog will start to pee, and the next she’ll catch a scent of something and dash off. If you are attached to your puppy, you can help to minimize distractions.
- Hide a couple small treats in your hand. Get ready to reward your puppy immediately for pooping or peeing outside.
Step 2:
- Take your puppy outside. If you want, you can give this a cue, such as “Wanna go outside?” If you use the same cue every time with the same action, your puppy will learn to associate the two.
- Watch your puppy for signs that she has to pee or poop, such as sniffing the ground or assuming the position to go. As soon as she starts, give her your cue to potty, such as “Go potty” or “Do your business.” Make sure that you and your family use the same cue every time. Consistency is important. Also, make sure not to yell the command when she starts to go. This could startle her and actually make her stop.
- Give a set amount of time for your puppy to find the right spot. If you want her to potty within five minutes, you can teach her to do that. Give her only five minutes. If she hasn’t gone, bring her back inside and crate her for 15 minutes, then try again. Be consistent. Don’t give your puppy 30 minutes to relieve herself on the weekend and then get frustrated when she takes 30 minutes Monday morning.
- When she’s done peeing, give her the treat and praise her. Don’t wait for her to both pee and poop. Reward each action separately
Step 3:
- If you want your puppy to now play in her fenced yard, take off her leash and give her another cue, such as “Go play!” By making sure that she potties first, you’ll teach her to get it out of the way before her playtime. This will be convenient when traveling, on bad weather days when she can’t play outside, or on those days when you’re just in a hurry.
Sample Housetraining Schedule
Below is a sample house training schedule that you could mimic if you are looking to establish a healthy routine. This schedule assumes that you are working during the day:
7:15 a.m. – Feed puppy her breakfast.
7:45 a.m. – Give her a potty break and put her in the crate.
8:00 a.m. – Head to work.
12:00 p.m. – Come home or have dog sitter give puppy a potty break.
12:30 p.m. – Feed puppy her lunch.
12:45 p.m. – Give puppy another potty break and head back to work.
5:00 p.m. – Head home from work.
5:15 p.m. – Give puppy a potty break.
6:30 p.m. – Feed puppy dinner.
6:45 p.m. – Give puppy a potty break.
9:30 p.m. – Give puppy a potty break and remove her water.
10:00 p.m. – Last potty break before bed and then puppy is put into her crate.
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