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- Consistency
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Fortunately, a dog is instinctively unwilling to soil its den (i.e., it's nest/bed/crate/house). To housetrain your puppy, then, you must teach your dog that it's den is actually the entire house.
You must be vigilant in training your puppy. Young puppies need to empty their bladders about once every hour, and especially after a meal, following play, exercise, excitement, or when waking up.
Pay attention to your dog's signs. Many dogs will start to run or circle, sniffing the floor. When you see these signs, immediately take your dog to the acceptable spot for him to do his business, either outside, or, if you don't have easy access to outdoors (for instance, apartment dwellers), then choose an area in your home or apartment where it is acceptable for your dog to eliminate.
If remaining inside, be sure this place is easy to clean, and away from distractions. Lay down a plastic sheeting and cover it with newspaper, or use a litter tray or commercial disposable pet pad.
Once you've taken your puppy to his appropriate place, be still and silent while he goes about his business. As soon as he begins to relieve himself, reassuringly speak a word (or words) that you've chosen to associate with this good behavior, and use this word or words consistently. Eventually, your dog will associate this word or phrase with their need to go.
After your puppy has finished, give lots of praise!
Accidents will happen! When you see your dog relieving himself in the house, get his attention by calling his name and attracting him to the door or the designated area inside. Encourage your puppy to follow you to the appropriate place, and then allow him to finish his business. Keep him in another room while you clean up his mess, and DO NOT punish him.....it's too late at this point for your dog to understand that the punishment is related to his relieving himself in the house, and he may think he's being punished for going where he was supposed to!
~Lisa Pallardy
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Read more articles about dog care and training at http://www.barktalk.com/
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