House Training
The principles underlying housetraining are very simple. You want to teach your puppy to eliminate on a specific surface or in a specific location, while at the same time preventing him from developing a habit of eliminating on any unacceptable surfaces or areas. Following are some tips for successful housetraining. Ask your veterinarian about paper training if it is not practical to take your puppy outdoors to eliminate.
Keep Your Puppy within Eyesight
Prevent your puppy from starting any bad habits in the home by keeping him within eyesight of a family member 100 percent of the time. When this can't be done, your puppy should be confined to a relatively small, safe area. Your puppy should be under supervision or confined until he has gone at least four consecutive weeks without soiling in the home.
Create a Schedule
Teach your puppy where to eliminate by frequently taking him to the desired area and allowing him to sniff around. Your puppy should go out shortly after he eats, plays, wakes up from a nap, before confinement and whenever he sniffs around like he has to eliminate. Feed your puppy two to three times daily on a regular schedule. Avoid feeding your puppy for an hour before confinement and before bedtime.
Reward Good Behavior
As your puppy eliminates, quietly praise him, and when he finishes, give a Science Diet® Puppy Treat or Science Diet® Puppy kibble as a reward. Reward him immediately, not after he returns indoors.
Tasty Tips
Accidents Happen
Puppies are not perfect and messes will occur. When this happens, do not make the mistake of punishing your puppy. This will damage y,our relationship and may actually slow down house training. If you catch your puppy in the act of eliminating in an unacceptable area, make a sharp noise (clap your hands, stomp the floor) without saying anything. You just want to interrupt the behavior, not do anything that will frighten your puppy. Then, immediately take your puppy outdoors to finish. Be sure to clean up any odor from floors and carpeting to help prevent resoiling. Wash bedding regularly and take your puppy out during the night if necessary, as sleeping on soiled bedding could slow down your puppy's housetraining.
About Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, DVM
The Puppy Training section was contributed by Wayne Hunthausen, DVM. Dr. Hunthausen is a veterinarian and pet behavior consultant who has worked with pet owners and veterinarians throughout North America since 1982 to solve companion animal behavior problems. He has also served as the president and executive board member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Dr. Hunthausen has written for numerous pet publications, co-authored pet behavior books and helped develop an award-winning safety video for children and pets. In his spare time, he is an avid photographer and enjoys skiing, cycling, movies, traveling with his wife, Jan, and hiking with their dogs Ralphie, Beau and Peugeot.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Whole Oats, and Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Chicken & Potato Recipe dog food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free dry dog food is gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
Dog Bad Breath: What Could Be the Cause?
Constant halitosis, or bad breath in dogs can be a sign of health problems. By understanding the causes, you can tame the odor and enjoy more puppy kisses.
How to Safely Remove Burrs on Dogs
Burrs on dogs are a common problem for pet parents, especially if your dog is outside a lot. Learn how to remove burrs from your dog's fur safely.
Do I Have Time for a Dog?
For potential first-time dog owners, learn whether you realistically have time for a dog and what a typical day may look like with a new pup.
Diabetic Alert Dogs: How They Help Their Owners
Read about two diabetic alert dogs' stories and how they help notify their owners when their blood sugar is out of range.
Dealing With Dog Mange
Learn about the skin condition called dog mange: what it is, how to spot the symptoms, and treatments for both Demodectic & Sarcoptic types of the disease.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Learn all about hip dysplasia in dogs, including causes & symptoms of the disease, most susceptible breeds, diagnosis and treatment options.
How to Choose the Right Leash, Collar or Harness for Your Dog
Learn important considerations for choosing the right leash, collar or harness for your dog, including factors like their breed, size, age & energy level.
What Is Dog Yoga? (& How to Do it With My Dog)
Learn how dogs can benefit from yoga's mindful breathing, physical touch and guided movements, and how to get your dog involved in your yoga routine.
The Facts Behind Breed-Specific Dog Food
Choosing the right food for your puppy is a challenging task, and a very important one. Learn ,more about breed specific dog foods.
Parvovirus: What You Need to Know
Parvovirus in dogs, especially puppies, is a devastating illness that can be fatal. Learn the facts about parvo & what to do if your dog has been exposed.
How to Spot and Prevent Periodontal Disease in Dogs
Periodontal disease in dogs is a common and painful problem. Learn how to spot symptoms to help you treat and prevent it from affecting your pet's health.
Puppy Obedience Training: How to Be Successful
Learn how reading & understanding your puppy's body language, barking, and whining can help with his obedience training.
Avoiding Returning a Dog to the Animal Shelter
Learn how to avoid having to return a dog to the animal shelter after adoption by understanding the reasons why dogs are returned.
Should You Allow a Dog to Give You Kisses?
Wondering if dog kisses are safe for you & your family? Learn the facts about how clean your dog's mouth is and when you can enjoy a smooch from your pup.
How to Talk to Dogs (and Know if They Understand You!)
Discover how to talk to dogs in a way they can understand and learn common physical responses you may notice when talking to a dog.
What's My Dog Doing When I'm Not Home?
Who knows what dogs do when you're not home? Here are some of the most common activities your pet will take part in while you're away.
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
Discover fun and engaging games and other ways to help your dog exercise, keeping him happy and healthy.
Helping Your Dog Cope With Thunder & Anxiety
Find out how to help your dog get over his fear of thunder by learning what to do and not do during thunderstorms.
Dog Dewclaws: What Are They?
Learn why your dog has that extra nail on the side of his paw, what it's purpose is and where it came from.
Small Dog Breeds: What You Need to Know
Thinking of getting a small dog? Learn the pros & cons of small dog breeds, such as food & living space specifics, to decide if they're a good fit for you.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.