HOUSEBREAKING

Should I use newspapers to train him?
Ask yourself a question. Do I want him to go on newspapers or outside? Well you want him to go outside of course so use those old papers to start a fire, you'll be happier in the long run. A dog will usually not go where he sleeps therefore let's not give him a reason to by putting papers down.

How often will he have to go out?
This will depend on the age of your puppy. Please do not expect any puppy under the age of 4 months not to have accidents. Their bladders are not developed enough to "hold it" for as long as you may think they should. If your puppy is very young, 7 wks., plan on getting up 3 or 4 times during the night. Take him out right before you go to bed, put him in his crate or safe room and plan on hearing a whine a few hours later. Remember, your puppy can't "hold" it, so hurry and get him out as soon as he whines. If he is in a crate, pick him up and carry him outside or you may have an accident right outside of the crate. As soon as he goes, praise him in a soft voice and immediately carry him back to his crate or safe room. Don't "play" with him at this point, he is ready to go back to sleep. If he should "whine" when you leave, assure him everything is ok with a gentle pat and once again leave him. It is normal for them to whine when they are alone at this age, they are confused, so please be patient. For the first week you may have to get up 3 and 4 times each night, then usually the second week you will notice the puppy sleeping at longer and longer intervals. Each puppy is individual and you must go with your puppies schedule. Being consistant with his night time routine will pay off in the end. During the day take the puppy out as often as you can but ALWAYS after he finishes "playing", "eating", or "sleeping". This is when you will get the best results and form good housebreaking. If you are at home with the puppy, watch him a lot and you will begin to notice his "I have to go out behavior" even if he doesn't whine. Try taking the puppy out the same door each time and soon he will go to that door when he is older to let you know.

What do I do if he has an accident in the house?
Why clean it up of course!! Use any odor neutralizing cleaner which most pet shops carry. Simply wiping up or blotting a stain does not eliminate the odor and the dog will "naturally" go there again.
Oh!! You meant, what do I do to the dog if he has an accident in the house?? If you do NOT SEE the puppy having the accident, there is nothing you should do other than clean it up. What you do not want to do under any circumstances is yell and scream at him, grab him and shove his nose in it, or otherwise get mad at the puppy!!! I cannot express this enough!! You will only wind up with a puppy who will cringe when "he" and "an accident" are in the room at the same time because he will know he is going to be punished for "something", but he has NO CLUE why?? On the other hand, if you SEE him having an accident, then you should say "NO!", and immediately pick him up and take him outside. Once he finishes outside, PRAISE him!!! Don't stay mad at him, he will sense your anger and become terribly confused. Please remember, you are dealing with a "puppy" who is in the learning process. He wants to please you, but you must guide him gently. With patience and love, before long you will have a puppy who is either going and sitting at the door and maybe even whining to go out!! WONDERFUL!!! PRAISE him a lot just for going to the door! He will soon understand this "going to the door" stuff sure gets me praised! If your puppy has an accident in the house, ask yourself why. Did you not take him out when he woke up? Did you not take him out after he played? Did you not take him out after he finished eating? Did you let him go longer than you should before getting him out?

Should I use a crate for housebreaking?
A crate is not only an excellent tool for housebreaking, it is the dogs "safe place", his "den", as long as it is used properly. Don't use a crate for punishment, he will soon learn to hate it. When first introducing your puppy to a crate, leave the door open and feed him in his crate. As you notice him going in and out, gradually start closing the door and leaving him in for short periods of time. Don't make the mistake of letting him out WHILE he is whining...this will teach him if he whines he doesn't have to be in his crate. Take him out when he is QUIET. Then leave the door open for him to go in and out. Put him in his crate when he is ready for a "nap" then when he wakes up he will most likely whine which is your clue to get him outside! Before long this crate will be his "den"...make sure it is in a quiet part of the house. Now when you have to leave him you will know he is safe AND happy. Don't ever leave a dog in a crate for more than 4 hours.