Checklist for Housetraining a Puppy
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Bell the puppy so you know where she is at all times; this way you can interrupt elimination and take her to the desired spot
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Crate
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Times to take to desired area
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Immediately upon awakening
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Immediately after playing (especially if the puppy voluntarily slows play)
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Fifteen to 30 minutes after any food
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Minimum of 6 to 8 times per day
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Every 1 to 2 hours is optimal
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Restrict access
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Regular feeding times; no free access; take up food after
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Leash walk!!!!!
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No play until he has eliminated
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Fifteen- to 20-minute walk
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Permit sniffing
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Concentrate in one area—small steps
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Allow play/exploration after
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Reward
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Appropriate interrupts—do not make the dog afraid or wary of you
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Reinforce scent (older dog, feces in correct area)
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Variety of substrates (show or traveling dogs)
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Verbal signal/cue (empty, potty, go wee, et cetera)
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Patience
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Odor eliminators and appropriate cleaning
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Non–elimination-associated aerobic play—LOTS
Checklist for Housetraining the Older Dog
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See puppy checklist
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Identify preferred substrate
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Gradually switch preferred substrate
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Concentrate on rewarding appropriate behavior
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Interrupt when the dog starts to eliminate in an undesirable spot, then take the dog to a place more acceptable to you
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Crate—use natural inhibition
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Short lead for leash corrections
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Walk and reinforce frequently; teach “knock”