The main reason people are slow to adopt is the issue of housebreaking. While it can be challenging, if you follow a few simple guidelines, it's not as hard as you might imagine.
A new puppy is a bit more difficult than a new kitten to train, but do not lose hope, it can be done with a minimum of hair pulling and gnashing of teeth (yours, not the puppy's). Not being a dog person, I had to do some research. After consulting with Doggie Divas and Poodle Pundits - I gathered the most sage advice available.
All doggy lovers recommend using a crate with all dogs. While to us, it looks like a cage, to puppy, it's their bedroom ... a safe place and your most valuable tool while housebreaking.
Think about how your puppy's system works - it's very similar to yours. Any time you or your puppy eat or drink anything, it kick starts the digestive system, causing anything already in the system to continue on its way. If you give puppy a chew toy, within 20 to 30 minutes, puppy is going to need a tinkle break. When puppy has his dinner, he's going to need a potty break.
What do you do if puppy doesn't go? That's when the crate comes into play. Once a dog knows what you expect of him, he spends his life trying to please you. All you have to do is teach him the routine and you will have a housebroken puppy in no time. If puppy doesn't go when you take him out after his chew time or meal, put him in his crate for about 15 minutes, then take him back out. If he still doesn't go, return him to his crate and wait another 15 minutes. Once he accomplishes his business, he's free to rejoin the family - his ultimate goal. Make it part of your routine that he goes out first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, as well.
It won't be long until your puppy is housebroken and you will have jumped the biggest hurdle of introducing your new puppy into the family. Just be patient with your little one. Puppies are goofy, clumsy and silly - but their reason for being is to bring joy to you and your family.
If you have any questions or comments, check out my blog softyspeaks.blogspot.com.
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