by Richard Max Detrano

Created on: May 08, 2009

Over the years people have been amazed how fast my puppies get house trained. I have broken it down to ten simple steps.

All that is required is an old cardboard box, a few towels, a ticking clock, and a dedicated pet owner. In the end you will save weeks of struggle.

1. Recognize that your puppy wants companionship.
Your new little puppy wants to be with you. Try to bring the puppy home when you will have plenty of time to spend with it. A few days is the minimum.

2. Recognize that your puppy wants to please you.
Dogs are pack animals. They want to fit in with the group. Praise works wonders. Scolding scares the puppy and confuses it.

3. Location, Location, Location.
Find a place outdoors for the puppy to do its business. Be sure it is somewhere private and safe enough that you feel comfortable going there alone, at night, in your bathrobe. Take the puppy there often, and get excited when something happens.

4. Puppies need to go out after eating.
Always take your puppy out immediately after eating. If you do not get the expected results, continue every few minutes until you do.

5. Get a cardboard box.
The box needs to be big enough that the puppy can stretch out, but not too big. Put a soft blanket or towels in the bottom of the box. Rumple it up. Put a clock that ticks softly in the corner of the box. This is where your puppy will sleep. (Line the box with plastic, and have a spare towel handy.)

6. Put the box next to your bed.
Arrange the box in such a way that you can sleep with one arm hanging over the bed with your hand dangling in the box with the puppy. This may sound strange, uncomfortable, or unnecessary but I assure you this is the secret to fast house training. At first the puppy may play with your hand, but if you don't encourage it, it will fall asleep. When the puppy stirs, take it outside. The quicker and more consistent you are, the faster the puppy will get the idea.

7. The rest is simple.
Take your puppy out frequently, and always to the same place. Give it lots of praise when it does its duty. Clean up after the pup. The scent remains. There is no need to leave the evidence. Your puppy will soon get the idea.

8. One person is best.
It is easier for one person to potty train a puppy than a group, simply because you are consistent in your actions. Other responsibilities typically make it impossible for one person to do it all. If a family or friends take on the responsibility, everybody involved has to do the same drill. No slackers.

9. Do not scold.
Your puppy is a baby. Try not to tax its young and limited ability. Once the puppy gets the idea, remember that if left alone, it will try to hold as long as possible and feel bad if it makes a mess. Do not scold when it wasn't anybody's fault. Nobody is perfect. Take the pup outside and praise it when it does the right thing. (Get a spray bottle of Natures Miracle at the pet store. It takes away urine smell and it works on red wine as well.)

10. Dogs are smart.
You will be surprised how fast your new little friend becomes part of the family.

The more time the puppy spends alone, the harder the house training. If you isolate the puppy at night, or while you are at work, it feels abandoned and punished.

If you put in the extra time, all your dog-owning friends will be jealous. Moreover, your new little friend will be happy, well-adjusted, and accepted.

PS. I have no idea if the ticking clock in the box does anything at all. I always used one. So why change a good thing.

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