Housetraining your pup

We recommend house training your puppy with a crate, because it's much easier than without one. Your dog should see its crate as a den (dogs avoid spoiling their den at all costs). 
DOs
  • Make sure the crate is small enough so your dog can't do their "business" on one end and sleep on the other. Have a puppy? Get a crate big enough to fit them when fully grown, but just block off part of it in the meantime. 
  • Take your dog outside often. 
  • Watch your dog for signs they need to eliminate (circling, sniffing, etc.). When you can't, put them in their crate. 
  • Be prepared to go out often, even several times during the night, if you have a puppy.
  • Give lots of praise when they do go outside. 
  • Set a consistent feeding time to help your dog develop a schedule. 
  • Take your dog out after they've eaten. 
  • Remember that exercise will increase their need to go to the bathroom. 
  • Say "no" in an angry voice or make a loud noise when you catch them in the act of an accident and pick them up to stop them from continuing. 
  • Try limiting water before bedtime (but only if they've had enough and it's not too hot).
DONTs
  • Never use the crate as punishment, or your dog will not see it as their den.
  • Don't leave your dog in their den too long or they'll have no choice but to eliminate in there. 
  • Don't scold your dog after they have an accident - they can't connect the dots. 
  • Never hit your dog for punishment. They want to please you and get it right - be patient.