House Training New Puppy - 3 Golden Rules for Success

House training new puppy is both exciting and challenging. There are many pitfalls new puppy owners must avoid in order to get the most out of house training new puppy. Here are 3 Golden rules that will ensure your success in house training new puppy.

House Training New Puppy - Golden Rule #1

Never let your new puppy roam free throughout the house. Yes, she's adorable, the kids are excited, and you're excited. But you must resist the temptation to let her run all over the house. Why?

Puppies have weak bladders. Until they get older, they will have difficulty controlling when they'll eliminate. She'll have 'accidents' all over the house. What's worse, once a spot is marked in the house with her urine scent, she'll always go back to that same spot. So....

House Training New Puppy - Golden Rule #2

Pick a specific spot in the house that you want her to eliminate. You should designate a space where she will have room to eat, play, sleep and poop there. This sounds like you need a ton of space, but really you don't.

Remember, puppies are very small. Section off a small part of the laundry room or any room (just not an isolated area because your puppy needs to socialize with you and other family members) with a puppy gate. Then make it clear for your puppy which area is which.

For instance, in one section set up the newspaper on the floor. In another section put her toys. In the other section put pillows down for her to nap. In another section, you can put her food.

Puppies don't like to eat where they poop and play, so making this distinction is really important. She needs to know early on where to go for what. So what's next?

House Training New Puppy - Golden Rule #3

Only have ONE indoor elimination area and only ever take your dog to this spot when at home. Make sure the entire family knows where this area is. You need to know when she's going to pee and poop, otherwise, you'll be clueless.

So here are the most frequent times puppies need to eliminate:

1. Upon awakening

2. 10-20 minutes after eating a meal

3. After being highly active

4. Right before bed

Put down lots of newspaper in the area you've designated for her to pee and poop. Gradually, you're going to make the area smaller and smaller until you've trained her to go in one small area on the newspaper! This will take about a month or so.

Did you find this article helpful? For more in-depth house training new puppy tips, please visit Canine Potty Training.