How to housebreak a Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are cute, sturdy and playful with an energetic nature. They love people and enjoy learning a lot of tricks. Because they are very intelligent and in fact thrive on being kept busy, you can take advantage of their nature to easily housebreak them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Long leather or otherwise sturdy cord.
• Several large jingle bells from craft store.
• Leash
• Cairn terrier at least 4 months old.
• Patience

1. First thread jingle bells on long cord and take each end and tie together to form a circle. Hang this on the door that you intend to use each time you take your puppy outside.
2. Feed your puppy twice a day, at the same time each day, and place food and water down for 15 minutes. Allow to feed as much or as little for that amount of time and then remove bowls. Place leash on puppy 10-20 minutes after he eats or drinks anything.
3. Take puppy to the door, tell him "outside" or whatever you want to use for a signal. Take his paw and lift to ring bell. Then take him outside in a grassy area. Determine a set period of time you will wait, 5 minutes, and say another trigger word like "hurry up." Reward liberally if puppy complies.
4. Take puppy out after all play time, bath time, and feeding. He will quickly learn that ringing the bell gets your attention and he has learned a trick. Both you and puppy will be happy.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep to a schedule.
• Do not stay out for 30 minutes for your puppy one time and 5 minutes the other, be consistent.
• Ring bell each time. Do not be surprised if puppy uses his nose instead of his paw.
• If you teach the puppy to ring the bell, no matter where you go you can take the bells with you and he will always know how to signal you he needs to go out.
• Be vigilant and consistent.