You
should begin housebreaking your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Once
bad habits are started they are harder to break. You must decide whether
you are going to train you puppy to go indoors, outdoors or a combination of
both, which is recommended as you don't have to worry about your puppy
getting wet or soiling his coat if the weather is bad.
Immediately upon arrival, introduce the special place where you have chosen
for your puppy to do his business indoors. Place plentiful newspapers or
special pads for the purpose on the floor. If you have carpet, it would be
wise to confine the puppy to just a few rooms without carpeting while the
routine is being learned. Young puppies need to relieve themselves
frequently, so if you see the puppy about to squat away from the paper, just
say "No" firmly and whisk the puppy away to the paper and say "paper. Give
lots of praise when the task has been completed. Rewards and treats can
also be given.
For outdoor training, a 10-12 week old puppy should be taken outdoors every
one to three hours. Older puppies can wait longer between outings. You
will need to choose an appropriate area outside. Always walk you puppy to
this spot on a leash. Always praise your puppy when he completes his
business in the appropriate spot. By giving praise and/or a food reward
immediately after your puppy finishes you can encourage him to go to the
bathroom in a desired area. Odor left from previous visits to the area will
quickly mark it as the place for the puppy to do his business. Be sure to
promptly remove the puppy's soiled waste and dispose of it properly.
Most puppies should be taken out:
*After waking in the mornings
*After naps
*After meals
*After play or training
*Before being put to bed
The #1
rule in this, as in training your dog to do anything, is to
be consistent
CONTACT:
Terrie Canada
Angel-Lite Maltese
Attalla, Al 35954-7273
Email: TeraC99@aol.com
Ph: 256-538-7408
Updated May 18, 2006