How long does it take to housetrain a puppy?

Question

I live in an apartment and thinking about getting a puppy. How long till it knows not to shyt and piss in the apartment?

Answer 1

It really depends on how good of a trainer you are.

Answer 2

It varies depending on your effort, the puppy's history, the breed, and the individual dog. My last puppy had it down pretty well in a week or two. My current puppy is just STARTING to get it after I think 6 weeks. Current pup is a breed known for taking a little while to housebreak--the experts claim they should be completely housebroken by the time they are 1 year old. I have used the same techniques and extreme vigilance for both. Some breeds are known for being difficult to housebreak. Pups from puppymills (virtually all pet store puppies) will sometimes never learn because they were allowed to lie in their filth from day one and learned that that was normal. Many good, ethical breeders will start the housebreaking process before you even get the pup, which is very helpful. You should also consider rescuing a dog from a pound, humane society, or rescue--many young dogs from rescues are already completely housetrained and don't need the constant supervision that new puppies need.

+be wary of some of the advice on Y!A--rubbing a dog's nose in it teaches a dog that you+mess=punishment and mess when you are not around or where you don't see it. They DO NOT equate you+mess=go outside next time. Also, crates are not mean as long as the dog is not in the crate all the time. Most dogs find crates comforting, safe spaces (dens, if you will), and will choose to sleep in them with the doors open/removed long after the housetraining period. Plus they keep them safe and from chewing on things like electrical cords. If you get a puppy, get some good training books written by experts.

Answer 3

It depends on how much effort you want to put into the training. I disagree with the newspaper training. Feed the pup once in the morning and once at suppertime and therefore you can almost predict when it has to go. Puppies cannot hold their water for long periods of time so let the pup out as often as you can. You can always take water away in the evening. It took my Golden about 2 months before he was "fully" trained but it also took a lot of getting up in the middle of the night to let him out often. Some people also recommend a crate for the pup at night because they wont mess where they sleep. Personally I think that's like prison to an animal. So just be patient and work at it, and the pup will be able to alert you when he/she has to go out.

Answer 4

About 15 years

Answer 5

Hard to say. My lab puppy was housebroken in about 2-weeks, but it can easily take more than a month. I take him outside every 2 hours or so, and rush him outside if he is in the process of having an accident inside the house. I recommend puppy pads for the floors (absorbent plastic/paper pads for the dog to pee and poo on). A friend of mine also had some success crate training. Some good info is available from PetsMart and Petco.

Answer 6

i was very lucky! 2 days! I just got my puppy 4 days ago and she is already potty trained! She did have an accident yesterday, but ya! Go to like petco or petmart or wherever and get the potty pads. They are great! you can also buy a tray for them. but yeah they have a scent that makes them go there1 just make sure the know to go clear on the pad before going. She would smell the pad but her little behind would go off the pad... but ya they work great! :D


OH!!!!!! you mean to go outside! Well I rescued my other dog, and had to train her to jump at the door when she had to go potty. If it goes inside, put her nose near the mess, and then put her outside on the lawn and point to the grass and calmly say this is where you go potty not inside! Than after about 3 weeks of doing that they will learn.

Answer 7

smart as the dog is? but the best way i found is use newspaper in the house then as soon she is ready 2 go piss -shyt take the papper out side when she ready to go she will learn faster and understand whats the meaning of this

Answer 8

It totally depends on the breed and the sex of the puppy. Also the intelligence of the owner.

Answer 9

Puppy's are like children, every one is different. don't try to force it, it will come as the puppy learns to accept and be comfortable with it. He won't do it until he is ready.

Answer 10

A week to 2 months. It is all about how much time you spend trying to train them.