Home / Housebreaking

Housebreaking Your Poodle

Housebreaking begins the minute you bring your new puppy home. Teaching your poodle where to eliminate is one of the most important things you can do for him.

By monitoring your puppy at all times, sticking to a schedule, and lots of patience and praise, you can teach your poodle where to go to the bathroom so that inappropriate elimination doesn't become an issue.

You (someone) will need to be home with your puppy for at least a week or two after your puppy's arrival. Unless you work at home, try to arrange your vacation time at the same time your puppy comes to live with you.

Have your puppy checked by your veterinarian to make sure he's healthy. Worms and other health problems can make housebreaking impossible.

Setting Schedules And Routines

Your puppy will have to go to the bathroom every one to two hours. Be sure to give it the chance to eliminate outdoors at least this frequency, no matter how inconvenient.

The are certain times when your puppy will usually always have to go - when he first wakes up, a half hour after eating and drinking and after a play session. These potty preferences are individual. You will need to observe your poodle and figure out his unique schedule. Remember, the younger the puppy is and the smaller the breed, the more often they have to go.

Feeding & Watering Schedule
What goes in on a schedule will come out on a schedule. Feed your puppy a healthy diet - in the same place and at the same times each day. During the training period, do not let your puppy have access to water at all times. Put out water when you feed him and offer him some several times a day before you take him to his potty area. Also, limit treats during the training period.
Designate A Potty Spot
Take your puppy to the same area each time you bring it outdoors to relieve itself. This will help your puppy realize why you continually take it outside and make cleanup easier. Never send your puppy outside unsupervised to go potty. Stay with him and make sure he goes.
Use A Potty Command
Train your puppy to go to the bathroom on command by using on special phrase such as Go Potty! This way your puppy will learn it must stop fooling around and do it's business. In the future, particularly when you are in a hurry or traveling, you'll be glad to have a cue so that your poodle understands when it's an appropriate time and place to go.
Praise Your Puppy
Just as your puppy finishes eliminating, in a quiet voice tell him what a good doggie he is. Dogs repeat activities that are rewarding to them, so let your puppy know when he has pleased you.
Give Your Pup A Safe Area
Your puppy will need a safe area he can rest and relax in when you are not home or cannot watch him. A crate, x-pen or other small confined area. Be sure to leave some toys so he doesn't get bored when he's alone and isn't tired.
Monitor Your Puppy At All Times
If your puppy makes a mistake in the house, it's really your mistake. Always watch him carefully, if he starts to squat in the house scoop him and take him the appropriate area. Under no circumstances should he be loose in another room while you're in the house. If he is, he can eliminate and will miss out on the valuable lesson you give him by interrupting and taking him outside.
When Accidents Happen
Don't get upset and don't punish the puppy, it can set back the housebreaking process drastically, especially if your puppy is shy or nervous. It is important for the puppy to learn that the act of relieving itself is not wrong, it is the act of relieving itself in the house that is wrong. Make sure to clean the area with a pet odor neutralizer.
Don't Expect Too Much Too Soon
Please, don't expect your puppy to be completely housebroken until six months of age. Even at 4 months old, puppies have little bladder or bowel control.
Housebreaking An Older Dog
The same methods for housebreaking a puppy can be used for an older dog as well. Establish your dog's sleeping, eating, and elimination area. Spend as much time with your dog as possible and be patient. Give yourself and your new adult dog time to get to know each other.