New puppy Housebreaking Tips

[JaniceSW]

I just got a new puppy yesterday and it is a male, only 7 weeks old, and a mix of bichon/toy poodle.   He is probably only 3 pounds about now, maybe even a bit less.  However, I have never had a dog and it is a first for everything.  Any tips would be appreciated, especially housebreaking successes.  Please share any and all experience you've had!!!

[Nancy5]

Good luck with your new baby.  Are you going to wee wee pad train or outside training?  If wee wee pads, you can buy these at any pet store, also buy a product you can spray on the pad that the puppy will smell pee (you won't), put the puppy on the pad several times and when he goes, praise him and reward him with a treat.  Outside just take him out every 15 minutes or so until he goes, then praise and give a treat.  They will catch on eventually.  Whatever you do, never hit, rub their nose, or yell if they have an accident in the house.  You will only confuse and scare them.  Expect accidents in the beginning it's normal.  Good luck and let us know how you're doing with your new addition and tell us his name.

[Bonami]

I had a puppy once and my mom has to give it away because we were too little to take care of it. Also, the puppy bit me.  Puppies are cute but a lot of work. Enjoy!

[catchow]

If you have a dollar tree near you, you can get puppy pads for $1.00 I think there are 4 or 6 pads, and they are big enough

Put them all over, do NOT scold him when he has an accident, if he squats to go pee, and hes not on a wee pad, quickly scoop him up and put him onto a wee pad, then tell him hes a good boy, also use alot of praise if he goes potty outside, alot of baby talk, when they are small they like baby talk

When ever your puppy wakes up, immediately go outside with him
When ever your done playing with your puppy,  immediately go outside with him

At his age, his bladder is not very big, and he will need to go potty alot.

Get yourself a spray bottle and fill with 1/3 white vinegar, the rest water, your puppy will have accidents on the floor, and if you have carpet this is a life saver, user paper towels to soak up the pee first, spray heavily with vinegar water, this will not hurt your carpet, but will kill the urine smell. If you have old towels these work even better, sometimes you have to scrub, this also works on poops on the floor.

Patience is a MUST, you cant scold, or holler, or spank or rub his nose when he has accidents

PLEASE make sure you call your veterinarian and talk to them about vaccinations, puppys need a series of 3 puppy shots, and then they will let you know when he gets his rabies shot etc.

[JaniceSW]

I have been talking to a number of people and on the internet and all of your very welcome advice seems to be right on! My little sweet boy has been named Teddy (formal, Ted E. Bear) and he is already doing well for a little guy not quite 8 weeks old yet. I have to keep a close eye on him and he is potty training me at this point as to when he might go, but he has went to his pads 3 times now and with a bit of encouragement peed twice and poohed once.  He is either so playful, following me around, or sleeping.  He is definitely becoming my buddy!!