If you are undertaking the complications of house breaking a puppy you are, beyond doubt, interested in using the quickest and most result oriented methods possible. This can be a particularly difficult time for many new pet owners because of the burden house training a puppy can put on a family, particularly if you make mistakes in the beginning.
House breaking a puppy should start immediately, just after you bring him home. Even at only 7 or 8 weeks old, he wants to eagerly follow your lead.... it's important to start early using puppy housebreaking training methods that will help him develop the acceptable abilities. Your puppy will make the decision where and when he will relieve himself if he is not trained early and correctly. Obviously you cannot allow this to be his decision. It is up to you to let him know where you want him to go. Puppies will learn very quickly when they understand what they are to do
Dogs have a natural instinct not to eliminate in their den area and, because of power of their nose, are attracted to areas where they or others have defecated or urinated in the past. You can capitalize on these natural tendencies in several ways.
Probably the most effective way to take advantage of these instincts is, first of all, to use a plastic dog carrier 'crate' as the pup's sleep area and place of security. You should get him used to being alone in the crate for short periods of time so that he is content and happy sleeping there.
The second way to use his instinctive tendencies is to watch your puppy's body language for indications that he need to go (circling,searching and sniffing), and then to react quickly by picking him up and taking him to the designated spot to eliminate.
The familiar smells in the designated area and your alert and consistent act of getting him immediately to the area will help him quickly understand. Success of the whole process can be moved along by being alert at times when he is most likely to go. Be ready to take him out when he awakens, after playing or exercise, and after he eats or drinks.
If you would like more information about house breaking a puppy and how to avoid common mistake and problems go to House Breaking a Puppy.
Tom Steffler has has worked for many years as as a veterinary technician and dog trainer. For more care and training tips go to <a href="http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com">Dog Training Basics Online. </a>
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