How to House-Train a Puppy in 7 Days

Puppies are not born with instincts that tell them they need to go to the bathroom outside. You must train them. You may not know, however, that puppies actually are very smart; in fact, you can train them in just one week. The key to training your dog to go to the bathroom outside is developing a routine and sticking to it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Treats Schedule Leash

1. Pick a week to train your puppy when you can commit to being home with her at all times of the day. You'll need to watch for signs that the puppy needs to go to the bathroom, and then take him out immediately.

2. Take your puppy outside as soon as you wake up in the morning. Don't wait even five minutes. Stay outside with the puppy until she relieves herself. This way, the puppy learns to hold everything during the night. As the puppy recognizes after the first few days that you will take her out first thing in the morning, she won't have accidents in the house.

3. Teach your puppy that he pleases you when he relieves himself outside. To do this, you must give him some praise and a treat each time he does so.

4. Practice showing the puppy what displeases you. When she has an accident in the house, turn your back to her and don't look at her. Within two to three days, she will learn that going to the bathroom in the house will not get your attention.

5. Take your puppy outside immediately following any meals or long naps, when dogs usually have to relieve themselves. Remember to stay outside for however long your dog takes to do his business. Then give your dog a treat and some attention.

6. Take your puppy's water bowl away about 8:00 every night. This will keep him from drinking too much before he goes to bed for the night.

7. Take your puppy out each night before bedtime. Make sure she relieves herself before you go in for the night. You may have to wait the first few days, but eventually your dog will get the hang of going to the bathroom before bed.

8. Make a schedule based on the above steps, and stick to it for seven days. At the end of the seven days, you will have a well house-trained puppy.

Tips & Warnings

• In the beginning, your puppy may have accidents when he gets overly excited. This is normal and will not continue as the puppy gets older.

• Never yell at your puppy or hit her as punishment for having an accident inside. This does not work. Just turn your back and don't give the puppy any attention.