A major struggle that dog owners experience with a new puppy in the house is “house training” him.
Here’s the situation.
A new little puppy begins to “circle his wagon.”
He’s sniffing.
He’s got to go!
And you’re in panic mode because you don’t know what to do.
You shout at him (which is the wrong thing to do) and then scoop him up to carry him outside.
Your adorable little puppy is trembling.
And before you get him outside he tsunamis you and your floor.
You start over the next morning and the result is similar.
Now frustration sets in with you and your pup.
Your patience begins to wear thin-paper thin!
You’re about to give up, throw in the towel, call it quits.
Thoughts about rehoming your pup crosses your mind just for a split second.
Does this describe you?
If so, read on.
There’s hope for you and your dog!
What are some things that you can try?
But before I invite you deeper into this discussion, there’s something else we need to talk about.
There’s the matter of crating your dog.
Yes, I know there are voices against crating pets. They say it’s inhumane and cruel.
But they’re wrong.
Our dogs view their crates as their space, a place where they can go to be alone. And, at night, at a time that’s so quiet, your dog has a place to unwind, to relax, and to be safe.
But here’s a word of advice.
Make sure that your crate is big enough but not too big.
It should be big enough for him to stand and move around comfortably but not too big for him to get the idea that the extra space is where he should poop and pee.
So, if you choose a crate that’s the appropriate size, it’ll deter your puppy from using the bathroom in his personal space.
Through crating your puppy, you’re training his system, his kidneys, his colon.
Now, with that in mind…
What options are available to you to housebreak your new puppy?
You Can Put a Bell on Your Door for Your Dog to Ring!
Of course, this’ll require a lot of patience on your part and some degree of skill to train your dog.
Just think, your puppy who has an urgent bladder or a colon stocked with waste will have to connect the dots to ring a bell to alarm you to open the door to let him out!
Is this the easiest path to victory?
I think you’ll agree that there’s got to be a better way!
Here’s Another Option…
Take your fur baby outside to use the bathroom.
When nature calls his name, go outside to where nature is, right?
There’s a benefit to this method.
This approach could be more hygienic.
After all, you’re carrying him outside to do his business.
You’re saving your carpet from stains.
You’re saving your nose from odious smells.
But listen to me for a second, okay?
If you adopt this method, you’ll need to do it consistently and routinely.
Even when it rains, sleets, and snows.
Sounds a little like the United States Post Office.
You should do it the first thing in the morning when you get up.
Nature will call several times during the day for you to step outdoors with your beloved pup.
Your dog may “ask” you to carry him outside during the middle of the night.
In other words, you’re at your dog’s beck and call!
Put that harness and leash where you can find it because you’ll need it.
Now…The Secret You’ve Waited For!
Here’s a true, tested, and tried approach.
I know because we tried it.
And it works! It really does!
Are you ready?
Take a puppy pad and put some of your puppy’s urine on it. And then set him on the puppy pad. He’ll sniff and smell his urine and you’re set!
He’ll consistently use the bathroom on the puppy pad instead of your floor. Now, there may be accidents along the way, but they’ll be few!
It revolves around him marking his spot.
The same rule applies outside. You know…dogs mark their spot by peeing on and in a certain area. And then, boom…they’ll return to that spot time and time again.
Benefits of This Method
- Promotes a good relationship between you and your dog. You’re not frustrated. Your puppy isn’t frustrated. Instead, you’re amazed at how soon your pup learns that his bathroom is a 22 x 22-inch pee pad.
- If you live in an apartment where you have more concrete and asphalt outside than grass, the inside pee pad method is exceptionally better!
- Another benefit is that you don’t have to interrupt what you’re doing to take your dog out to use the bathroom.
- Still another plus regarding this method is that during harsh weather such as rain or snow you don’t have to dress appropriately to carry your dog outside.
- Don’t forget that your puppy could get fleas or ticks while using the great outdoors as a bathroom. Using his “indoor restroom” prevents that!
- If you let your dog out by himself without any supervision, there’s always the risk of him running away or chasing another dog or cat, being stolen, or some varmint disturbing your pet.
Negatives of This Method
- I won’t defend this method as being more hygienic because it’s not. You’ll have a pee pad or pads lining your floor. But the positives far outweigh the negatives!
- There’s the expense of buying pee pads versus the free outdoors.
Tips to Remember
- Be sure to place the pee pad in a place where your puppy can easily get to.
- Don’t place it in the kitchen or where there’s a lot of foot traffic.
- Place it in the same place or area each time so that your puppy won’t get confused.
- Don’t let the pee pad collect too much urine or poop (or you’ll be defeating your purpose)!
- Reward your puppy with a treat after he uses the bathroom. And give him a verbal treat and a pat on the back too!
Conclusion
Your puppy is a family member.
And while the first two options (remember, the bell choice and the outdoor alternative) have their merits, the use of a pee pad is a better choice.
I’ve given you a secret as to how to housebreak your little pup with a pee pad.
I believe you’ll be pleased with the results!
And, oh, I almost forgot…
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-Howell
