Daniel Joseph - Puppy Training Book: The Quick Guide for New Owners

So now, of course, youll want to train your puppy how to not pee in the house. I know that this was definitely my first concern when facing the challenge of a new puppy.

As excited as I was to get my sweet little Bartleby home, I was also anxious about housebreaking. I can tell you this, its not as hard as you might think.

The key here is to train yourself as well as your puppy. You need to learn how to recognize your puppys body language and anticipate when he needs to go outside.

Keep in mind that puppy has no idea that its a bad thing to do his business in the house.

For all he knows, this is the only environment that exists. Your house is planet Earth. There is no other world out there. Unless, of course, you teach him otherwise.

Throughout this whole wonderful experience remember that the schedule is god. You must adhere to a routine. Puppies can adjust to schedules quickly and it will make your life so much easier.

Another note to remember: punishment doesnt work unless you catch puppy in the act.

The Nose Knows:

Your puppy looks for the right place to eliminate based on smell. Thats why its vital to keep a good cleaner or odor eliminator on hand. When puppy has an accident, you need to make it as though it never happened or else puppy will smell that spot and think that he can pee there again.

Training sprays do the opposite of odor neutralizers (but arent necessary for training).

Yelling at him five minutes after hes peed will not teach him to stop peeing in the house. Also, for Petes sake, dont rub his nose in his own mess. That will only freak puppy out and might actually send him spiraling in the opposite direction rather than training him.

Step 1: Buy, borrow, or steal (not really) a crate for training. Its necessary for keeping your puppy in one spot so he isnt hiding behind couches and pooping there. You might be able to get away with not using one but it will smooth out the process.

Step 2: Plan for someone to be with your puppy at all times for the next three to four days. The first days are the most important when it comes to training. If you havent gotten your puppy yet and are simply doing your research, plan to get your puppy when you have a weekend off of work (also, high five for researching before buying).

Step 3: Gear up. Buy treats and toys for rewards/bribes. Buy cleaners for your floors (because accidents will happen). You might also want to look into training sprays which tell a puppy where its appropriate to eliminate (be warned, these smell awful).

Step 4: Schedule feedings and watch the clock. Youll generally want to take puppy outside about an hour after hes eaten.

Step 5: Create your auditory cues. These are key phrases or words which youll use for the rest of puppys life. Something like go do your business or lets roll or go outside. Puppy will eventually associate this phrase with eliminating.

Step 6: Look at puppy and use your cue then take him outside. Continue to use this cue until hes done with his business. Praise him when hes done and reward him with a treat. If he hasnt gone after five minutes, take him inside, put him in the kennel (like putting a bomb in a bomb shelter), and wait 15-20 minutes then try again.

Step 7: Repeat every one to two hours. Dont forget the praise at the end of a successful potty trip. Also dont forget to accompany puppy. Dont make him go it alone (because he probably wont go alone).

Your puppy isnt officially housetrained until hes gone a month without accidents. And accidents will happen dont freak out. Hes not pooping on your hard wood floors just to spite you. Got it?

Good, lets move on