NOT IN THE HOUSE!! Tips and tricks for housebreaking your new puppy.

There is nothing quiet like the excitement of bringing home your new puppy. You have been waiting weeks, maybe even months or years. The lucky new fluffer has a box of toys and a new puppy bed ready for them.  Then the glorious day arrives and you are quickly reminded of that joy or joys of new puppy parents - they pee! All the time! Everywhere!

Here are some tried and true tips and tricks for your newest four legged piddle machine!

1. Routines are your friends!  Feed at the same time every day. Monitor when your pup drinks water. They usually go potty about 15 minutes after they eat or drink. 

2. Be Aware!  Puppies need to go potty when they awake from a nap. 15 minutes after they've eaten or right after a play spell.

3. Pee breaks are not walks!  When you take your puppy outside to go potty, always 

go to the same place and wait. Don't walk around and wait for them to pee. Puppies see the walk as a reward, and will sometimes hold their bladder to keep walking. Instead wait for them to pee before having a wonderful bonding walk.

4. Clean, clean, CLEAN! Dogs know where to potty by using the same place as the pack. So make sure you really clean those oops in the house. Any scent markers left behind invite repeat visits.

5. Kennels make your life easier!  Your puppy will try and avoid using the bathroom in a kennel where they sleep. Use this to your advantage. When its time to potty, go out and wait. If the pup doesn't come in and go right to the kennel. Wait about 15 minutes and try again. When your puppy potties outside, he gets to come in and play!

6. GOOD DOG!  Whenever puppy potties outside  shower with praise, or treat with high reward treats.

7. NOT Bad dog! Do not punish your dog for slip ups. They do not learn from it or understand they did wrong. This will only make them hide to eliminate in your homes.

8. Consistency!  Keep it up, and maintain the habits of each day.

I hope these tips and tricks helped you and your newest addition. Please share your own tips and tricks below and let me know how old your dog was when they were fully house trained.
~ The Den Mother