House Breaking a Puppy - Best Approaches
If you are undertaking the difficulties of house breaking a puppy you are, beyond doubt, interested in using the quickest and most effective techniques possible. Many pet owners have a tough time with this because of the demands house breaking a puppy can put on a household, 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 use puppy housebreaking training methods that will help him develop the acceptable skills. He will have no trouble deciding where to eliminate if you don't choose for him. Obviously you cannot allow this to be his decision. It is up to you to communicate what his only option is. Puppies will learn very quickly when they understand what is expected of them.
Dogs have a natural instinct not to eliminate in their den area and, because of their strong sense of smell, are drawn to go in areas where they or others have defecated or urinated before. There are several ways you can use these natural tendencies to your advantage.
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 read the signs that he wants to go, i.e. your puppy is circling and smelling around, and then to react immediately by taking him to the usual spot.
The familiar smells in the specified area and your alert and consistent act of getting him immediately to the area will help him quickly understand. You will be even more successful if you are observant and pay attention to when he is most likely to go. Be ready to take him out when he wakes up, after playing or exercise, and after he eats or drinks.
To learn more about house breaking a puppy and what blunders and pitfalls to avoid go to http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com/house-breaking-a-puppy.html
If you are trying to obedience train your new puppy Go to http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com/puppy-training.html
Tom Steffler has years of experience in the dog care and training field. More information, tips, and techniques like the ones in this article are available at http://www.dogtrainingbasicsonline.com