One of the initial situations that you must learn to deal with when purchasing a new puppy is house training. This is an effort to train the puppy to use the bathroom outside instead of inside. Most people find this process frustrating. However, if you have the patience and prepare properly, you can get the job done without too much trouble. You might be interested in some info on housebreaking a puppy.
There are many different opinions on the best way to train your dog. The main reason for this is that different species of dogs have differing attitudes. Some dogs are simply stubborn and will require extra patience, while other species may pick up the process quite easily. If you haven't chosen a puppy yet, this might be worth taking into consideration.
You need to have realistic expectations with this process. Understand that puppies are very immature and simply have a tough time controlling their bowels and bladder. For this reason accidents are often unintentional and can continue after the puppy has learned its responsibility. Be prepared for this with patience and understanding. Make sure that you are consistent with your technique and approach to this process, or your puppy will only get more confused.
You should immediately begin implementing a schedule that will help the dog learn its responsibilities. Key times to take the dog out are first thing in the morning and immediately after eating, which are key times that the dog will need to go relieve itself. Between these times, take the puppy outside every couple of hours or so, depending on its needs. With a bit of anticipation, this process can be much simpler and easier to get through.
Keep an eye on your dog and be mindful of signs that it needs to use the bathroom. Key signs include pacing, circling, and sniffing. Be safe and take the dog out if you catch it doing this. When you inevitably catch the dog making a mistake, give him a stern "no" and immediately take it outside. Never hit the dog or utilize other cruel tactics that aren't effective. Also avoid punishing the puppy if you didn't catch him in the middle of the act. If you don't catch it in the act, it will have no idea why its being punished.
Many people utilize kennels and puppy pads. Dogs generally do not want to use the bathroom in a small area like a kennel, making them ideal for times when you leave the house. If you are gone for more than 4-6 hours, the dog may have no choice but to relieve itself, so be prepared for this. Be sure to take the dog outside before you leave and after you get home. Puppy pads are also a great tool for teaching a puppy to use the bathroom outside. An interesting trick is slowly and methodically moving the pad toward the door. Eventually, the dog will automatically go to the door when it needs to go.
Although housebreaking a puppy is difficult, it is far from impossible. Utilize these tips to make your job much easier. Quickly get the dog on an ideal schedule that will work for everyone involved. Also make use of great products like puppy pads and kennels to make the process easier. If you approach the issue with patience, understanding, and love, your dog will be trained before you know it.