Puppy training question

[GRLMGC]

My dog is 5 months old and he isn't potty trained I guess you can say. I've never had a dog so I don't know what to do and my roommate has given up on him. So my question is, would it be effective to put newspaper where he usually goes to do his business?

[eddiebrowns]

1. You just have to

keep taking him outside regularly. Take him out first thing in the morning and every few hours after that. We had a tough time training our dog originally, had to take her out constantly, praise her when she went, etc but we may have overdone it-now everytime she goes, she expects applause!

[henslee]

8. EddieB is right. a reg. schedule is the key. As is feeding

dog on a regular schedule. I am not an advocate of excessive praise. Just a good boy and maybe a pat. Overnight, pup should sleep in a small cordoned off space. This deters them from having accidents -- they don't like poo/pee when they must sleep near it.

[smbolisnch]

2. It couldn't hurt....

Also, if he does go in the house, take it outside and show him. Then walk him around the yard for a few minutes so he knows where he is supposed to go. Another thing that worked for me was to hang a string with a bell on it from the door where I took my dog out. Whenever we went out, I rang the bell. That way, when he had to go, he just nudged the bell so I knew to take him out. Also, if you don't have a crate for him, I highly recommend them! Good luck! :-)

[Alleycat]

3. Nope Don't do it.

By allowing him to go on newspaper you are telling him it is ok to go inside the house. I have always discouraged this method. Instead do this. Every 3 hours or so take him outside to where you want him to go. When he goes their pee or other reward (small treat) and praise him highly. Continue to do this day an night. Yes it takes some commitment from both of you but you should only have to do it for a week or two. I have trained 4 dogs doing this and they have all been trained by 4 months. We never had an accident in the house. He needs to know that he is only to go to the bathroom outside. You may be able to go a little longer then 3 hours since his bladder is larger at 5 months. Just make the commitment. Also absolutely no water after 8 or 9 at night.

Good luck

[MuseRider]

4. I had one who seemed to understand

that she was not supposed to go inside but for some reason did not figure out how to let me know she wanted out. I taught her to go to the door and scratch on the glass. Once she learned that we never had another mess. Sometimes I think that is the problem, you might try that too or figure out some other way for him to let you know and practice it over and over. Even if he does not need out just practice his cue and go out for a second and then repeat. Good luck.

[candy]

5. What's the longest he is left alone? Makes a difference!

I paper trained both of my puppies but eventually they just learned outside was better.

[candy]

6. What's the longest he is left alone? Makes a difference!

I paper trained both of my puppies but eventually they just learned outside was better.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

7. gradually move the paper towards the door daily and eventual out the door

he will get the message and learn to go outdoors to poop and pee

[elehhhhna]

9. crate-training. it's never too late and it's humane & FAST.

look it up--you'll be thrilled w/ the results (if you focus and follow the instructions).

[sbj405]

10. Is the dog crated?

It's really the easiest, fastest way to housebreak a dog.

How long can he go w/o any accident? Is he consistently doing his business in the house or only when left for long periods? Also, what methods have you tried?

Hang in there. Some breeds and/or dogs are tougher than others.

[Modem Butterfly]

11. What breed of dog? And how long is he alone?

A five-month old Great Dane is going to have a bigger bladder than a five month old Pekinese. Be sure you're not expecting him to hold it too long for the size of his bladder.

[China_cat]

12. Best way to housetrain a puppy

Equipment needed; short leash with clips on both ends and a rolled up newspaper.

Clip the short leash to the puppy's collar and to your belt. As you notice any kind of prancing around, antsiness, etc. take the puppy outside. Praise it loudly to the skies for doing its business where you want it to. Initiate a short play period as a reward. (Don't worry about the neighbors...they think you're nuts already so it doesn't matter that you're in ecstasy over dog poop)

Go back in the house and repeat. If an accident should occur, take the rolled up newspaper and hit yourself over the head while repeating "I forgot to watch my puppy, I forgot to watch my puppy".

Seriously, crate training is the very best way to go. With the crate, I never had to 'train' my last pup. She knew that the first thing that she did when the crate door was opened was go outside.

Others have asked if you are leaving the pup too long without a potty break and that's a valid concern. If you have to do anything for an indoor relief station, I'd suggest you look into the dog litter box rather than newspapers. Especially if you happen to like reading newspapers. :)

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