Housebreaking Your New PON Puppy

Housebreaking your new puppy does not have to be frustrating, nerve racking or an exercise in futility. As your puppy progresses toward full housebreaking, it can be rewarding for both you and your puppy. Remember, the long-term benefits of your hard work early on will pay dividends for years. Housebreaking is a simple matter if you are systematic and always keep in mind the four "P's" of housebreaking.

Patience: Your puppy will not housebreak overnight. Some accidents are unavoidable due to training time and the puppy’s bladder and bowel control. It can take up to one year to have full control.

Persistence: You must work a systematic and scheduled plan with your puppy.

Proper Equipment: In a nutshell, proper equipment means confinement. You should immediately purchase a kennel for your puppy. Remember, dog's ancestors were cave dwellers and after the first week or two of crying to be let out, your puppy will become very content and secure in its new home.

In its simplest form, you should follow these steps to housebreak your puppy:

1. Learn to recognize any signs or routines that indicate your puppy needs to go out.

2. Take your puppy out no less than every two hours until sixteen weeks of age.

3. When your puppy relieves itself outside, use excessive praise and a nutritionally balanced puppy treat.

4. If you catch your puppy in the act, firmly say no and take the puppy outside and repeat the praise process. Never hit your puppy if you catch your puppy in the act. You must keep an eye on your puppy or confine him to avoid accidents, it is not the puppy's fault.

5. If you find a mess, clean it up with a product that is specially designed for such a task. At that point, you can not reprimand your puppy since it will not know why it is being corrected.

6. Anytime you cannot keep an eye on your puppy, especially at night, the puppy should be kept in its kennel, as most dogs will not soil the area where they sleep.