Housebreaking a dog, whether a young puppy or an older rescue, is a common concern for many dog owners. Achieving a reliably housebroken dog requires consistency, understanding, and the right approach. This guide will walk you through effective methods to ensure your dog understands where to relieve themselves.
Understanding the Basics of Housebreaking
A dog is either housebroken or they are not; there’s no in-between. The core principle of housebreaking is to prevent accidents indoors while consistently providing opportunities for elimination outdoors. This involves teaching your dog to communicate their needs to you and establishing a routine. Dogs are creatures of habit and learn through association. Consistent training reinforces the desired behavior, making it clear that the outdoors is the only acceptable place for them to relieve themselves.
The Crate Training Method: A Natural Approach
We can leverage a dog’s natural instinct to keep their den clean by using a dog crate. A crate serves as a safe, den-like space that the dog will instinctively avoid soiling. When sized correctly, a crate prevents accidents. While some puppies may initially protest, they typically adapt within a few days. Dogs are inherently den and pack animals, seeking shelter and security. A crate satisfies this basic need, providing a sense of safety and protection. Contrary to concerns about cruelty, using a crate correctly caters to a dog’s natural desire for a secure space.
Implementing Crate Training Effectively
If your puppy cries in the crate, it’s crucial to ignore the screaming and avoid letting them out during these episodes. This teaches them that vocalizing doesn’t achieve their goal. You can mitigate the noise by placing the crate in a quieter area like the basement or garage, or by leaving the house for short periods. Consistency is key; giving in will create more significant problems. Puppies naturally sleep 15-18 hours a day, and they will quickly learn that the crate is a place for rest.
To make crate time a positive experience, keep a bowl of high-value all-natural dog treats near the crate. Toss a few treats in after giving a “CRATE” command. This creates a positive association, encouraging them to enter willingly. As your dog progresses, you can expect them to enter the crate on command, which is the foundation for teaching them to go to their crate when visitors arrive.
The size of the crate is paramount. It should be just large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably—think “den,” not “condo.” An oversized crate can lead to the dog using one end as a bed and the other as a toilet. It’s often beneficial to place the crate in the bedroom initially to facilitate early morning potty breaks, but aim to move it to another room once the dog can sleep through the night without needing to go out, to prevent potential dominance issues.
Crucially, a crate should never be used as a place of punishment. Safe toys, such as a Kong filled with peanut butter, can help keep a puppy occupied and quiet. Avoid soft, squeaky toys with bells, as puppies can ingest parts, leading to serious health issues.
Start crate training while you are present, offering praise and reassurance. Gradually increase the time you leave the room, returning quickly with a treat. This conditions the dog to your comings and goings. Over time, you can extend your absence to several hours. During crate confinement, avoid scolding unless the dog is chewing on the crate itself. Ignore excessive barking, as it will eventually cease when the dog tires. Many dogs come to view their crate as a private sanctuary where they can rest undisturbed. Feeding your dog in their crate reinforces this positive association.
Establishing a Consistent Potty Routine
Take your puppy out first thing in the morning. Allow them to relieve themselves in a designated area, preferably a fenced yard, without a leash. Offer lavish praise with “GOOD OUTSIDE” once they are done, and then immediately bring them inside and place them in their crate or designated safe space.
A puppy should never have free roam of the house unsupervised. If an accident occurs, it’s a mistake on your part for not watching them closely. Pups should only have supervised freedom in the house for short periods immediately after coming inside from a potty break. Dogs need to eliminate after sleeping, eating, and exercising.
Establish a strict routine:
- Morning: Take the puppy out immediately upon waking. Afterward, grant supervised freedom in the kitchen while you prepare and eat breakfast. Feed the puppy, then take them out again.
- Mid-morning: Crate the puppy until around 11:00-11:30 AM, then take them out for another potty break. Allow supervised kitchen freedom while you prepare lunch.
- Afternoon/Evening: Take the puppy out after lunch and again after dinner. Provide supervised kitchen freedom during dinner preparation and mealtime.
- Before Bed: A final potty break is essential.
Taking your dog out frequently, even hourly, helps establish a clear pattern. Don’t hesitate to ask your pup if they “WANT TO GO OUTSIDE” before heading out, and always praise “GOOD OUTSIDE.”
Consider the impact of diet on digestion. Commercial kibble can take 14-15 hours to process, while an all-natural diet takes only 5-6 hours. Researching and adopting an all-natural diet can significantly reduce the frequency of accidents.
Key Housebreaking Tips:
- Dietary Consistency: Avoid frequent changes to your dog’s diet.
- Crate Rewards: Use treats to reward your puppy for entering the crate.
- Immediate Return: Bring your dog inside as soon as they finish their business.
- Praise Consistently: Always praise your dog for relieving themselves outdoors, reinforcing good behavior.
- Exercise: If your dog goes outside but doesn’t eliminate, they may need more exercise. A long walk can often encourage them. Ensure you ask if they “DO YOU WANT TO GO OUTSIDE” and praise them when they do.
- Older Dogs: House-train older dogs using the same principles as puppies.
Managing Accidents: Odor Neutralizers and Repellents
If an accident occurs indoors, it’s crucial to eliminate the odor completely using an odor neutralizer, available at pet stores. Household cleaners containing ammonia can actually attract the dog back to the same spot. After neutralizing the scent, use an indoor pet spray repellent.
Proper Correction Techniques
Never punish a dog for an indoor accident unless you catch them in the act. If you do catch them, a verbal scolding is sufficient; avoid any physical punishment. A puppy lacks the cognitive ability to connect your anger with an accident that occurred even a few minutes prior. If you cannot interrupt the act within seconds, you have made a mistake. Rubbing a dog’s nose in it is ineffective and cruel.
If you catch your puppy in the act, clap your hands or gently pick them up to interrupt. Immediately take them outside to finish. Praise them lavishly when they complete their task outdoors. Punishing puppies for mistakes is unfair as they are still learning the rules.
Dogs do not soil indoors out of spite or revenge. Accidents are typically due to anxiety, nervousness, fear, or simply a lack of proper house training. A dog may appear fearful or guilty upon your return because they associate your arrival with past, overly severe corrections.
Young puppies (under 12-14 weeks) may need to go out every few hours. Ensure you are managing water intake, providing adequate exercise before bedtime, and consistently using the crate for naps. If a puppy cries to come out of the crate, ignore it. Any mess in the crate indicates a training error on your part. If noise is an issue, move the crate to a room with a radio or TV.
Paper Training: A Detrimental Approach
“Paper breaking” is strongly discouraged. Allowing a dog to relieve itself on paper indoors teaches them that soiling within the house is acceptable. This creates a mental association that hinders future outdoor training. Any healthy 8-week-old puppy can go outside, even in cold weather, with brief outings. Potty pads are also an ineffective tool that creates problems. Embrace dog crate training instead.
In rare cases, a dog may consistently soil their crate despite proper training. This can sometimes stem from poor living conditions prior to adoption, where the puppy learned to be unclean. Persistence is key; continue cleaning and reinforcing positive behavior. Some dogs require significant time and effort to overcome such ingrained habits.
Allowing a dog unsupervised freedom in the house before they are 18-24 months old is risky. Until then, keep your dogs in crates to prevent destructive chewing on furniture and other household items. For those dealing with puppies, the video “Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months” is highly recommended, offering expert guidance based on extensive breeding and raising experience.
Choosing the Right Crate
Plastic airline crates are recommended for housebreaking due to their ease of cleaning. They can be taken outside and hosed down. Keep cleaning supplies on top of the crate for immediate access. While wire crates were once common, they are less effective at containing hair and odors. Avoid placing bedding in the crate, as it can become soiled. A rubber cow mat can provide a comfortable, easily cleanable surface.
Housebreaking 101 Online Course
Introducing a new dog requires a solid plan, and the “Housebreaking 101” online course provides just that. This comprehensive program offers management techniques to develop a well-behaved dog, suitable for puppies and adult rescues alike. Whether you’re training a family pet or a working dog, this course emphasizes practical strategies for a balanced canine companion. It can also be purchased as a DVD or streaming video. We highly recommend it as a self-study online course.
About the Author: Ed Frawley, founder of Leerburg.com, has been producing professional dog training videos since 1982. With extensive experience in breeding, training, and law enforcement K9 handling, he offers unparalleled expertise in dog behavior and training.
