The first thing anybody need to learn when attempting to housebreak their new puppy is that puppies are too young to be held responsible for their bladder and bowel habits. A puppy will go to the potty in the right place sometimes. That may be because she learns fast and is smart, or it may be an accident that was just lucky.

The objective of housebreaking your dog is to create opportunities for your pup to be successful and to go in the correct place, allowing them to become accustom to this place and always go there.

Is Using Newspaper in the House a Good Idea?
So long as you are ok with the smell of using newspaper in the house then it is fine to do. When your dog get older though, it may be harder for him to make the switch to the outside.

Remember these things!

  • Always take your puppy out FIRST thing in the morning, 
before you do anything and LAST thing before bedtime at night.
  • Always take your puppy out immediately after eating a meal.
  • Always take your puppy out immediately after playtime periods.
  • Always take your puppy out right after a nap.

Use a timer or a cloTucker as a Puppy, Dog Crates and Dog Cages BLogck, set it at 40 minutes, and take your puppy out each time the bell sounds. If she doesn’t go to the bathroom, just praise her for going outside. As she gets older, you can increase the time. You only need to stay outside with her for a few minutes. Then take her out again every 30 minutes. Learn to read her body language.
When a puppy starts circling or sniffing around, pick her up and take her outside FAST.

Puppies should never be left alone when they are that young. Either they will pee and poop everywhere, chew up something nice or worst of all get hurt. Wait until you can trust your puppy not to do anything bad, this stage usually happens at 1 year. When you can’t watch her, put your puppy in a dog pen, a dog crate, or in the yard with some toys. But don’t forget about her and don’t leave her out there too long!

Give your puppy her last meal about 1-2 hours before bedtime, and make sure she goes outside to relieve herself just before she goes to bed. DO NOT let her roam free during the night. She should be confined.

Be sure to clean up the areas in the house where your dog has already messed. Use something that will take away any odor that is there.
Dogs will mess again if they can smell the areas.

How do I know that my dog needs to go out?
There are several tip offs that tell you it’s time let your dog out:
Your dog is sniffing the floor. He is turning in circles while sniffing. He is scratching at the door
. He is standing by the door. He is barking at the door
Watch your dog and get to know him. The more you know, the more you’ll be ready for anything she might need, including when to relieve herself.