Housebreaking is the first and most important step in training a new puppy that will be kept inside your home for any extended period of time. A set schedule works best for puppies, so establish a routine of feeding and watering. Puppies have small bladders and cannot hold their urine as long as adult dogs can. Very young puppies cannot be expected to wait longer than four hours between trips outside. It helps to take your puppy to the same spot to relieve himself each time he goes outside to solidify the daily routine. All dogs do best when praised, so reward your puppy with lots of praise after he relieves himself outside.
A great approaching to potty training is to confine your puppy to a crate when he is home alone. Since dogs are den animals, they are less inclined to soil their crate, or den, than a large house. The crate should not be too large or else the puppy might use one side to relieve himself and the other side to sleep.
uppy Behavior
If you’re getting a new puppy or have already brought the adorable little guy or gal home then chances are you’re wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. You may be wondering what to expect and what puppy behavior problems might arise. More importantly, you may be planning ahead and learning how to prevent puppy behavior problems - great, we’re here to help. Potential Puppy Behavior Problems Biting and nipping - Puppies have puppy teeth, also often called milk teeth. These teeth are sharp and can do a lot of damage to hands. As puppies grow and mature, these teeth will fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. It’s similar to the teething process that babies go through. So it’s natural for puppies to bite and nip.
However, accepting this behavior is a bad idea. If you allow your puppy to bite and chew on your hand, they’ll learn that this is okay. To prevent puppy biting and nipping, make it a no no from day one. When your puppy puts their mouth on your hands or someone else’s hands, give them a firm no and replace your hand with an appropriate item to chew on. This will quickly teach your puppy what is and isn’t appropriate to chew on. Read more on what I like to call "Urge Control" to stop puppy nipping.
