Housetraining Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Housetraining doesn’t happen overnight

The first order of business when someone gets a dog is to teach him or her where to go to the bathroom, and preferably not on the living room carpet. It doesn’t have to be an onerous task, but it does take some effort and commitment. And it’s not a fait accompli once taught. Housetraining can be a life-long issue if not addressed properly. Unfortunately, poor housetraining can also be a death sentence.

Many people have memories of their previous dog, who was a breeze to housetrain. Never any messes in the house, always asked politely to go outside, even eliminated when told to. Bring a new puppy into the house, and suddenly there are accidents everywhere.

Let me suggest that memories can be selective. You may remember the play, the great walks, and the companionship of the last 12 years while not remembering all the little piddles she made when she was 12 weeks old. Now you have a 12-week-old puppy who contradicts your memories of the past 12 years. This new life isn’t the same dog you lost, nor does she come with the memories of that previous best friend. That’s challenging, even threatening, whether you acknowledge it or not.

When puppies are born, they are not even able to go by themselves. Momma-dog has to stimulate them by licking – and that helps keep the puppies and the den or whelping box clean. Be grateful human babies don’t require that! A puppy’s bladder isn’t developed sufficiently to hold it for long. A general rule of thumb is one hour for each month in age the puppy is. Of course, that varies for each puppy a little. It would be unreasonable to expect a 12-week-old puppy to hold it more that 3 hours. If left alone for longer without opportunity to eliminate in an appropriate place, an accident is not her accident, it’s yours.

The rules of housetraining are simple.

Use a crate to help confine her when you can’t directly supervise.

Movement gets things moving! If puppy is up & about, take her out!

Eating stimulates her too.

And when she wakes up from a nap, everything wakes up… take her out.

Set a feeding schedule and she’ll be easier to predict.

Potty first, then play. Then potty again.

Reward her for doing it outside.

Train with the final substrate you want her to use – don’t use papers or potty pads first.

Take responsibility for accidents. It’s not her fault if you didn’t watch or get her out in time.

Clean, clean, clean.

Build a loving and trusting relationship without fear or avoidance.

We’re asking our dogs to live in a world of human making: a nice home, dangerous traffic, a dependable source of food, and often limited mental and physical stimulation. Understanding and patience go a long way in building a life together.