How to Housebreak a Pit Bull Puppy

Puppy treats are a necessity when housebreaking a pit bull.

Housebreaking a puppy is not an easy task, regardless of the type of dog you are trying to train. Pit bull puppies are no easier or more difficult to housebreak than any other breed. A puppy learns by repetition and praise. Using the same commands, treats and praise, over and over again, is the fastest and easiest way to train your pit bull puppy. Crate training is a housebreaking method that has been proven to work for puppies, as long as it is done properly.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Puppy toys
• Water bowl
• Leash
• Treats

Instructions

1. Prepare the crate for your pit bull puppy. The crate should have some type of fabric padding in the bottom, such as a towel, old blanket or possibly a dog bed, if you can find one that fits in the crate. Place a couple of puppy toys in the crate. Place a water bowl in the crate and fill it about halfway.

2. Walk the puppy outside on a leash before placing the pit bull puppy inside the crate. Praise the puppy with lots of love and hugs if the puppy goes to the bathroom. Feed the puppy a treat as well, so the pit bull puppy knows it did as it should.

3. Take the pit bull puppy inside the house and give it your undivided attention. Should the puppy attempt to go to the bathroom on the floor, quickly and loudly yell, "No!" Take the puppy outside to go to the bathroom. Praise and give a treat as soon as the puppy has done so.

4. Place the pit bull puppy inside the crate whenever you cannot give the puppy your undivided attention. Give the puppy a pat on the head and close the door. Ignore the whining that is sure to follow.

5. Remove the puppy from the crate every couple of hours, or when you notice the puppy pacing back and forth within the crate. Take the puppy outside to go to the bathroom, then praise and give treats once it has gone.

6. Continue with the crate whenever you are not able to give the pit bull puppy all of your attention until you are sure it is housebroken. Typically, this will only be a few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Never scold your puppy, hit it with anything or stick the puppy's nose in its mess, because this will not teach the puppy anything other than that you are upset.

• Never allow a puppy to go all day stuck in a crate without the ability to go out to the bathroom. Someone must take the puppy out every couple of hours and likely once during the night.

References

• Dog Breed Info: Housebreaking Your New Puppy
• Pets Hub: Housebreaking