An un-housebroken dog must be supervised at all times.  This means that wherever you are in your house your dog must be visible to you, and you must be paying attention.  If you aren’t “eyes-on,” then you can’t prevent your puppy from making mistakes, and an un-housebroken dog doesn’t know when they are making a mistake.  An easy way to supervise your puppy is called “tethering” – keeping the dog within a 4-6 foot circle of you by securing the dog with a leash that is literally attached to you (maybe with the leash around your wrist or ankle).  Alternatively, you could just let the dog drag a light nylon leash that is attached to the collar (drag line), and step on it should the puppy start to wander out of eye’s reach.  During observed play, chew toys should also always be available to the dog.

Through careful supervision and observation, you will notice the signs that indicate the dog needs to go out:

                Dedicated sniffing (concentrated)

                Whining

                Pacing (circling)

                Squatting

                Lifting of tail in an arch

                …anything else you observe that may be unique to your dog

When you see the signs beginning, quickly get your dog to the designated area.  And wait for a few minutes, but not longer than 5.  Your puppy should learn to take-care-of-business first, before extended play and exercise.  If the dog doesn’t go, then you must be even more on guard; because now your puppy needs to go to the bathroom even more.  When the signs start again, the cycle starts again, including the 5-minute rule of taking-care-of-business! 

Remember: If your puppy does not go to the bathroom when taken to the designated area, then become even more stringent in your observation.  Success is JUST around the corner!

                If you can’t be eyes-on, then use your crate or an accident proof area of your home, such as your kitchen for your puppy.  This limits your puppy’s ability to make a mess that is hard to clean up.  If you must leave the area for an extended period, consider using a crate. 

If you aren’t eyes-on observing, then you aren’t supervising!

Honestly, housebreaking isn’t a difficult process if is approached in a deliberate manner.  Puppies learn through consistent repetition.  If you create an expectation and maintain it, then it really is unnecessary for us to wish you good luck, you’ve already created it!

Armed with the correct information and the appropriate plan, housebreaking is truly Fast & Easy!