5 Puppy House Training Tips Every Puppy Owner NEEDS To Know, by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. 8 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Pick one outdoor spot and take your puppy there on a leash every time. The leftover scent helps them understand what the spot is for.
Take your puppy out every hour during the day, and straight after waking, eating, drinking and playing.
Stay outside for five to ten minutes. If nothing happens, bring the puppy in, watch them closely, then try again.
Reward within a second of the puppy finishing, with a treat and quiet praise, so they link the spot with good things.
Supervise indoors. Keep the puppy in the same room as you or clip the leash to your belt so accidents are hard to hide.
Use a crate for short naps and nighttime. It should be big enough to stand, turn and lie down, but not to toilet in one corner.
Clean any accident with an enzymatic pet cleaner, not an ammonia based product, to remove the scent that invites repeat visits.
Set a nighttime routine: last trip out late, water picked up two hours before bed, and one quiet trip out during the night.
Watch for signals like sniffing, circling or heading to the door, and take the puppy out at once.
Keep the schedule steady for several weeks, then stretch the time between trips as your puppy stays dry.
Tips and common mistakes
Never punish an accident after the fact, because the puppy cannot link your anger to something they did minutes ago.
Feed meals at set times instead of leaving food down, so you can predict when your puppy will need to go.
Expect setbacks during growth spurts, bad weather or house moves, and go back to hourly trips for a few days.
Keep praise calm outside, since too much excitement can distract a puppy mid toilet.
Questions
How often should I take my puppy out?
Every hour while they are awake in the early weeks, plus after every meal, nap and play session. Young puppies cannot hold it for long.
How long does house training take?
Most puppies need a few weeks to a few months. Small breeds and very young puppies usually take longer and need more frequent trips.
Should I use puppy pads instead?
Pads can help in a flat with no garden, but they teach the puppy to toilet indoors. Go straight to an outdoor spot if you can.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
