Dog Advice Topic: How to Housebreak a Puppy

Bella,
I just got a new puppy - he's peeing everywhere! What do I do?
-Accidents in Arlington Heights

AiAH,

To start out with take your dog to the same spot and let them sniff around for only about 3-5 minutes. If they go to the bathroom throw a HUGE party. Big praise, treats and lots of snuggles (after they finish obviously!) Then you can have a big play session or go for a walk. If they don't go in that time frame, either put them in a crate or tie them to you on a long leash. The crate should be just big enough for them to lay down and turn around. It shouldn't be big enough for them to go on one side and sit on the other. Wait about 15 minutes and then again to start the process over again. The more times they are highly praised for going in the right area and aren't allowed access to the wrong areas so they can't practice that behavior the more quickly they will learn.

Increase the number of trips to the potty area. The formula for how long a dog can hold it without going to the bathroom is the number of months old they are plus one is how many hours they can hold it. With smaller breeds it is usually a little less. So your three month old can make it about three to four hours before they physically can't hold it anymore.

Restrict your dog's water and food intake to when you can take them to their spot. Eating and drinking stimulates your dogs digestive system making them have to go to the bathroom. Don't leave food and water down when you are not there.

Try to get them on a specific schedule for eating so you can time your trips outside. Also be aware the napping and a big play session also stimulates them to have to go. So when they wake up, get them to their spot. Also be aware that if you have a big play session or walk after they successfully go outside they most likely will have to go again at the end of that which might happen right when you come in. You may want to put them in the crate or leash them to you again just to keep an eye on them.

Consider using a crate. When dogs have free range of the house or even a room they will be more likely to eliminate somewhere they aren't supposed to. If they are in a smaller area they will not want to make a mess where they have to "live". If introduced properly dogs feel more secure in a crate when left alone. It is a more natural, den-like environment.

When you have accidents clean all surfaces with a solution made specifically for urine odors.

While you are home use some sort of long line (15 to 20 ft) to leash your dog to you. This gives the dog room to roam around but allows you to keep an eye on them. Going to the bathroom in the home can become a habit so the less you allow your dog to practice it the less they will do it in the future.

When you are not at home keep them confined in a small area such as a crate or a small room with a baby gate. The crate should allow just enough room for the dog to turn around but not enough so the dog can go to the bathroom on one side and sit on another. If your dog does have an accident in their space clean it with the dog odor solution from above.

And that's the bark on the street!
Bark up!
Bella

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