7 Month Old Puppy Housebreaking
Question: My puppy is 7 months old and I am having a hard time with housebreaking. She continues to urinate in her cage during the day. Plus at night I’ve been leaving her sleep on her pillow - but last night she went on the floor. Please give me some tips on training. We work during the day so I know it will take longer. Sometimes she didn’t go when she was in her cage. But now things seem to be regressing. Help! She’s a very good puppy otherwise - she listens and doesn’t destroy shoes etc. - from Lucy
We encourage you to share your "dog wisdom" - Please Feel FREE to Help Answer this Dog Question!!Answer: You can start housetraining or housebreaking a dog after they are 6 weeks old. Before that, they don’t have the muscular control to be able to hold their urine or bowel movement. Since your puppy is 7 months old, housebreaking shouldn’t be a problem, although females have a harder time than males.
If she’s in her crate all day, she may not be able to hold it that long… puppies and older dogs need to urinate more frequently. If she’s punished for her actions or gets really excited when someone comes home, this may make her nervous to the point where she’s made to urinate.
The number of hours in the crate are a factor. If someone could take her out during the day this would help matters a lot.
About the crate:
o Ideally, the crate should not be too big, but has to allow the puppy to stand up and turn around - maybe even make a few circles before it finds the perfect spot.
o You should have it padded for comfort, but use some water absorbing pad underneath.
o If the crate is open on all sides, drape a blanket over the top for a sense of security.
o Don’t leave a water bowl inside that can be easily tipped over.
o If the puppy is lonely during the day, leave the TV or a radio on, or even a ticking clock may help to keep it company.
o Be careful when you choose a toy to leave with her. You don’t want her to choke on it when you’re not home.Training:
o Take her water bowl away at night, and she’ll have to relieve herself first thing in the morning.
o The first thing you should do when you wake up is to take her outside to do her business. Be patient and wait for her. Praise her! Let her know she’s really pleased you, by urinating outside.
o Before you go to work take her out again. Use a certain phrase: go pee pee, do your business, tinkle time, etc. Something that tells her it’s time. Keep using this phrase she can associate with when you take her out.
o If possible, try to have someone take her out during the day - a neighbor after school?
o As soon as you come home and before you check your mail or answer your calls, bring her out of the crate and take her outside. Do this quickly, because she’ll hear your car coming long before you can even see your house! Her excitement alone may not allow her to hold her “enthusiasm”. Remember you’ve been busy all day and all she’s done is wait for you.
o Take her out often and praise her as soon as she does something (good tinkle!)Establish a routine, limit the crate hours, and be consistent. Urinating is something we all do and shouldn’t be punished for. If a routine is established, she’ll know what is expected and will try her best to please you. If the problem continues, take her to a doctor as she may have a bladder problem.
Best of luck!
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