How do I house/potty train a puppy?

Question

A little puppy showed up at my door the other day so I took it in and fed it and what not. Its a really young pup so for the time being Im keeping him in a BIG box to keep the mess to a minimum. My question is how old does it need to be before I start trying to house train it and how do i go about doing it. Ive never had a puppy but Im probably going to keep him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

And please, if Im doing something wrong do not be rude about it, just let me know in a nice manner, like I said Ive never had a dog before.

Answer 1

You can start housebreaking immediately. Get the puppy to the vet for a check up and first round of shots. Crate training is the best.

Have fun!!! Looks like someones christmas present found you.

Answer 2

Start potty training right away...

Limit the puppy's water intake. About 20 minutes after having a drink or eating, bring it outside. Take up the water for good about 2 hours before bedtime and take the puppy out again before you go to bed. Take the puppy out as soon as it wakes up (From a nap or first thing in the morning).

You are simulating "Crate" training by keeping it in a box, but since the box is big, you're actually doing more harm because the pup has room to designate one are for sleeping and one for potty. The dog won't go potty where it sleeps, so the box should only be big enough for it to sit, turn around and lay down.

There is a great book called "I just got a puppy, what do I do?". It covers all the basics for a first time dog owner.

Answer 3

Take him to the vet, find out how old he is and if he's healthy. Once you have a clean bill of health go buy some good puppy food like Canidae or Natural Balance, Wellness or Innova. If he's really little you may need to moisten the food with water so he can eat it. (The vet will be able to tell you). Then get a crate (talk to the vet or Petsmart/Petco employee about what size crate). Get your puppy on a routine for feeding and going outside. After the dog has eaten, take the bowl away and carry him outside. Stay out there until he does his business. Then praise him and bring him in. Life will be so much easier for you if you get him on a routine that fits your lifestyle. Eat, poop, sleep, play, eat, poop, sleep, play...

Good luck!

Oh, and one more thing, it's not likely that a little guy would get very far from it's mom and litter. I'm thinking mom and his owner would HAVE to be close by. Wouldn't you try to find the rightful owner? You sure he just showed up? I'm thinking maybe you got him for Christmas and don't want to get the harsh responses on here. Just my opinion.

Answer 4

This can be difficult for you as it is a challenge for anyone! Expect accidents, and DO NOT beat the puppy or rub his nose in the messes. Much like a human child, puppies also have to develope muscle control. Once you notice the pup starting to go to the door by him/her self, you have won 2/3 of the battle.

The key is repetition, and a steady schedule. Immediately, after the puppy eats or drinks, take him/her outside. You can also incorporate a little leash training here as well :). Whe it wakes up, be prepaired to take it outside even BEFORE YOUR first potty stop! (that does get uncomfortable) After playing, and every hour or so regardless of activity. When you do this, it is important that the puppy walk to the door by himself, as this is also part of the training. Dont carry him/her. We are nurturing creatures, and want to carry the cute little fur-balls. If you do, he will get used to the fact that YOU will know to TAKE him outside, and he won't learn to let you know by waiting by the door. You might even have to "help him" by grabbing his collar and pulling him to the door. If you notice him squatting on the floor, you can use a newspaper, or clap your hands. Like I said, don't hit THE PUPPY, just create a loud noise by hitting your hands, or any other shocking distraction. The puppy will stop, and then you must quickly usher him/her outside to finish! He'll get the idea after only a few tries. Some puppies don't catch on as quickly.

IMPORTANT: When you find a wet-spot, or poo, soak up the majority of the urine, or wipe up poo, then you need to cover the odor of the puppy stuff. Dogs smell for scents of urine or poop which activates the urge to go. A solution of 1 Tablespoon bleach to a gallon of soapy dish water will mask the odor. If you can, crate the puppy at night, and when you have to leave it alone. Usually a dog will not mess where he sleeps. Make it large enough that he can move around, but not too large that he can make a corner of it his toilet.

Limiting his water an hour or so before night time will also help. But be sure he has plenty of water during the day, as he can get dehydrated easily.

I tried puppy training pads only one time. They became a toy to the puppy and not it's intended purpose! That doesn't happen to everyone, though. I found it's just as easy to take the dog outside, and in fact I think it's easier, because you don't have to train the dog twice, where to go.

Larger breed puppies are easier than small breed pups by the way.

Get it's shots by 8 weeks. Rabies and Distemper, etc... Also to minimize chewing, I have used an old towel. Whenever the puppy starts chewing, give him an old towel (it's fun for the pup, as it makes him feel "big" wadding that thing around) and make sure there are lots of things to play with. Same thing when he wants to play rough (biting) with you. Plan on feeding 3 times a day, till he's full. As he gets older he won't eat as much.

I hope you have fun with your pet! Give lots of love and kisses. From me too! :)

Hope this answers that question, and a few more that will crop up along the way. (sorry for the book)

Answer 5

It takes alot of patience with puppies. if its in a box you should use puppie pads in the box for now so it gets use to peeing on those then you should take the little fellow out side quit a bit during the day and let it get use to going outdoors, pretty soon you will create a pattern in the puppies brain that outside means potty time. It takes consistancy and patience .When it gets to big for the box you might get a dog crate to keep it in when your not home with puppy pads in it so you can change them out daily or newspaper.

Answer 6

You should start training it young or else it will keep going in the house when it's older. You should make 1 special area for it outside and show it were it should go. If it goes in the house don't punish it just say "NO" nice but firm and to the point. When you see it going out side you should give a treat of tell how good it is.

Answer 7

Yo lo has great advice. I would just add, give the little guy praise when he does what he is supposed to do. It's a good time also to train him to give you a signal. Hang a bell by the door you are going to always take him out of and jingle it when you take him out. He'll get curious and put it to practice. Do not let him stay out after he is finished. Follow instructions to a t and try not to be harsh with the little fella, he'll make mistakes. If you are doing this properly it will take very little time to train. Consistancy is the key and you should see results within a week.

Answer 8

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMQzh

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 9

get yourself a crate and some puppy potty training potty pads cause you will need those and also have him or her checked out by a vet cause you do not know if it has shots or not those will be needed as well ,depending on how old he is , I am glad that you have decided to keep him but give him a bath and take him to the vet for a health exam. good luck and god bless.

Answer 10

Well, he needs to have freedom, try and train him as soon as possible. The first thing you should do is, whenever he is going to do whatever, smack him and bring him outside to do his business. He'll get the message. Make sure he can easily get outside when he needs to go.