Most owners have the highest expectations, with the least understanding, when it comes to teaching their dogs how to go to the bathroom outside, while on a walk or in a designated area.

To really establish how you are going to accomplish this daunting task, you must determine these three things;

• Where will the puppy sleep at night

• Where will the puppy stay during the day or when you are not there

• Where will your puppy be when you are home

Crate-training is the simplest and most effective way I know of to housebreak your puppy or older dog. However, not all puppies take to the crate. You can still effectively housebreak your dog without one. Installing a doggie door can oftentimes solve many housebreaking issues.

Dogs must eliminate and puppies more often than older dogs because of more food intake with less control of their bodily functions. Dogs do not come into the home automatically knowing that the bathroom is outside or, if necessary, on paper or a pad. Teaching your puppy or dog to hold it’s bladder and bowels requires you to utilize it’s natural instincts. Teaching it how to let you know when it must go outside is hit-and-miss. Since many young dogs have not learned how to let you know, close supervision is necessary.

Remember the old-fashioned nose-rubbing technique? Believe me when I tell you that your dog knows that what you are rubbing its nose in came from its own body. What it does not know, and will never understand, is why you're determined to shove it up its nostrils. This method only serves to make your dog fear your hands coming close to its face. It does not teach your dog where its bathroom is and where it is not. Dogs simply do not have the ability to equate this or any correction with the act of going to the bathroom.

Never correct your dog during or after the accident as you may soon find your dog has decided you don’t like when it goes to the bathroom and might therefore never go in front of you again. This can be a major problem for owners who must walk their dogs for bathroom duty.

With housebreaking you must be extremely consistent, always supervise your puppy, and allow it the opportunity to go to the bathroom. Supervision and prevention are the keys to successful housebreaking. I cannot emphasize this enough. Setting your dog up for success is fundamental to housebreaking your dog. If the dog goes to the bathroom where it is not supposed to, it is your mistake and not the dog's. Never correct your dog for this mistake. It was your lapse in supervision and your dog's lack of understanding.

Supervision = dog on-leash and attached to you, or something secure near you. Prevention = supervision prevents accidents.

Remember these rules of housebreaking and I know you will have success with less mess!

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