Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Cait’s boyfriend’s family is a case in point. They just got a little Bichon Frise. He’s cute as a button and the only problem he will face is potential love overload. They just got him, and I just got the first phone call of many on training questions.
Which means, of course, that it’s time for another primer on house-training.
5 Rules For How to House Train Your Puppy
First Rule of Puppy House Training
DO NOT PUNISH ACCIDENTS. Unless you want to teach your puppy to hide when he has to go.
Second Rule of Puppy House Training
Puppies’ bladders can only last for as many hours as months they are old. If you have an 8-week old puppy, it will need to go out to relieve itself about every 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Third Rule of Puppy House Training
If you can’t keep eagle eyes on your puppy, do not let him roam freely in your home until he is fully house-trained. The easiest way to do this is to buy a playpen and plop him in there with a couple of toys at one end, and a pee pad at the other.
Fourth Rule of Puppy House Training
Take your puppy to the same spot outside every time you bring him out, so that he can sniff his previous smells, which will help him go. This also makes yard clean up easier when there is only one section you’re dealing with.
Fifth Rule of Puppy House Training
Right after your puppy goes outside, have a big party right then and there. Big praise. Lots of pets. Treats. Happy happy, joy joy. It’s time to let your puppy know that he has done a good thing.
Very cute but little dog=little bladder! lol I hope their new baby brings them many years of love and devotion. Still not as great as an Aussie though. :)
Yes, little bladders indeed! That’s one of the reasons that it can be harder to house train small dogs.