How to House Train a Baby Dog

Puppies need to be taken out often during the day.

New baby dogs are confused and scared when leaving their mothers and littermates. Bonding with your new baby dog takes time, and you must have patience. The training should start the day you bring the dog into your home. Devoting your time to house-training your new baby dog can build a foundation for all future training. Crate training is probably the easiest way to housebreak a puppy.

Things You'll Need

• Dog crate
• Puppy treats
• Small blanket or towel

Instructions

1. 

   Crates that are too small and bare are not comfortable for the puppy.

   Obtain a plastic or metal crate with a plastic tray in the bottom that is easy to clean. Pet stores carry expandable crates with dividers to make them smaller when the puppy is young or larger as it grows.

2. Place an old towel or small blanket in the bottom of the crate for the puppy's comfort and security. Little chewy toys to play with will give it something to do. Covering the crate with a sheet or light blanket will help make the baby dog feel safe. The crate will soon become home for your new dog.

3. 

   Puppies need to go out frequently during the day.

   Take your new baby dog outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, then every two hours during the day. Include a trip outside after meals and before bedtime also. Puppies will sometimes pace back and forth with an anxious look when they need to go out.

4. 

   Puppy treats reward good behavior.

   Reward your baby dog with a puppy treat and praise when it urinates or defecates outside. Reinforcing the puppy's good behavior with positive actions will encourage positive results.. Refrain from punishing your baby dog when there is an accident, as it will not understand the punishment.

5. 

   A well-trained dog will be a good pet.

   Continue this routine as the baby dog grows, and at around 6 months old your puppy will be fully trained to go outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't overfeed your dog treats during house-training. Using treats only as a reward will reinforce its good behavior.

References

• Alabama A&M University; Fundamentals of Puppy Ownership; Robert Spencer, Urban Regional Extension Specialist;July 2009
• The University of Tennessee; College of Veterinary Medicine; Hummane Education and Responsible Ownership; Tips on House Training Puppies--The Dos and Don'ts

Resources

• Dog-Breeds.net: New Puppy Care