Darr Houssen
Housebreaking:If you have chosen the newspaper method, then you must spread a few layers of weighted down newspapers in your yard. Take the pup outside and set him on the papers. He will probably sniff the papers (use a coaching command like "hurry up") and then proceed to eliminate, (praise with "Good Puppy"). As the days go by and you continue to coach him, you'll see him move to the outer edges of the paper and onto the grass. Leave the papers there as a target area, until you see the puppy making his way over to the area himself. Keeping your puppy on a
feeding schedule will help you predict when the yard trips are necessary. Feed three to four meals per day with nothing between. As soon as he stops the meal consumption, (even if food is left over), take him out to his bathroom spot in the yard. A cereal bowl of water is enough with meals where dry food is served. Offer another drink after the food settles for a couple hours or after a play time.
The very best method for housebreaking is the use of a crate, (a plastic structure). This helps your puppy "hold on" until you are available to take him outside. Young puppies have small bladders and a couple hours when first starting the procedure is enough. The pup will come to look at this crate as a dentype setting, a place of his own. A small room is OK, if a crate is not in your budget. Be patient, clear and consistent in your method. It will come together!
Our thanks to Darr Houssen for providing "The Pet Tip of the Week"
http://www.houssennet.nb.ca/dogworld.htm
Check out the free puppy training manual on their internet site.
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