Having a new puppy is very exciting, but often people don’t anticipate the work that will be involved. One of the most challenging and sometimes frustrating times is the breaking and entering phase. When we got our last puppy, Murphy, he put us to the test. If we knew then what we know now, things would have been easier; maybe I can make it easier for you. Knowledge is power, here is a power that breaks the house.
survival tips
1. Start on the right foot – When you bring your puppy home, take him directly to the outside area where you would like him to “go”. Try to wait for him to get into that area and praise him as you go, quietly and after he is really done for the praise.
2. Do not correct after the act – If your dog has an accident in the house, it won’t do you any good to scold him if you come across the evidence after the fact has been done. His pup won’t make the connection between the mess on the floor and his going to the bathroom in the house. He just knows you don’t like the masses. (I’m sure he’s thinking, if I find out who did that, why would I…?)
3. Catch your dog in the act – If you find your dog doing his business in the house, reprimand him at that time. Make sure his tone shows that he is not happy, but remember, tone is not volume. Take the puppy outside right away, in fact, if he can get it to stop and finish outside, all the better.
4. Praise your dog – When your dog does what you want him to do, like going to the bathroom in the designated area, give him LOTS of praise. Really make a big deal about it. He will see that he has made you happy and he will want to make you happy again.
5. Keep your expectations in check – Puppies go to the bathroom a lot. And they will have to leave immediately after eating or drinking. Don’t wait for a visual clue, take it out immediately after eating or drinking.
6. Keep an eye on your track – Sometimes puppies get into the habit of going to a certain place or making certain movements before the act of going. Learn these and keep an eye out for these. Our pup would run into the room with the hardwood floor or just try to get out of sight by going up the stairs. If Murphy got away, we knew better to find him FAST! If he headed for the hardwood floor, we knew we’d get him out immediately.
7. Clean up your mistakes – If you enter the house, clean it well. It’s probably best to use a retail puppy cleaning solution to make sure you get rid of the smell. If the pup smells a previous bug, he may think this is the place to go.
8. Box Train – Some people think box training is cruel. They don’t understand that it’s natural for a dog to like a small place, like a den. This makes him feel safer and he says that this is his home. A puppy does not want to dirty his house; he will if he has no other choice. Make sure the box is not too big; you need room to stand up and turn around. If the box is too big, it can go into one end and “live” in the other end. If the crate is too big, block off part of it in some way that is suitable for the puppies.
