Have you ever wished you could just get your puppy or adult dog to stop going potty in the house and that you could learn the proper training techniques for housebreaking a puppy or dog?

Many of my dog training clients come to me saying, “I want to know how to housebreak a puppy. What can I do?” These clients tell me their dog is different and hard and stubborn and just doesn’t get it. My response is always the same. There are four main things you need to do to solve the problem. It doesn’t matter the age of the dog or how stubborn the dog is. It all has to do with being consistent with these four steps:

Step1: Prevent your puppy from going potty in the house in the first place:

Prevention takes two forms:

1. Use a crate. The method for crate training a puppy is easy. Put the puppy in the crate or kennel and give him treats. Feed him in there. Don’t leave food or water in the crate for extended periods and keep the crate free of toys that could be chewed up and swallowed. The crate then becomes a ‘den’ or a safe place where your puppy or dog won’t want to go to the bathroom.
2. When potty training a puppy use a leash in the house. Keep your dog tethered to you so you can make sure that your puppy doesn’t sneak off and go potty.

Step 2: Encourage your dog to go to the bathroom outside:

This step is also easy. When housebreaking a dog you want to give lots of praise and motivation when the dog goes to the bathroom outside.

Step 3:  Correct your puppy when he goes potty indoors:

Puppy training shouldn’t be harsh but when you catch your puppy going potty in the house use the leash to quickly tug him outside. Don’t make it painful but be fast and get the dog to the yard.

Step 4:  Get your dog or puppy on a routine:

Make sure you have regular food times and bathroom times. If your puppy has a hard time making it through the night, make sure to remove the water by 7pm or so.

Follow these steps when housebreaking a puppy and you will be in great shape.