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[Anonymous]

We just bought two six week old toy poodles. I am wondering what the best way to train them not to use the bathroom in the house. We’ve been pretty lucky so far, but I would like to know how to get them to go to the door when they have to go out. I am scared I won’t be able to train them and then all of the carpets will be ruined. What is the best way? ???

[Anonymous]

Hi,
As the owner of a mini poodle, I can tell you that poodles are very interested in pleasing their owners. They are easy to house break.  Just give them lots of praise when they go potty outside — and yell a little if they go potty inside. They are super smart and will get the message in no time. Mine was a gray-black little girl. They say that girls are easier to train. Poodles are loving little guys and very playful. I know you’ll enjoy having those cuties!
Susan

[imported_redbud73086Participant]

Hi.  We have trained several puppies over the years by using a crate.  We limit their access to one room usually the kitchen.  They have the crate to sleep in and most puppies will not go to the bathroom in the room they sleep in.  

It doesn’t take very long for them to get the idea and let you know when they need to go, even if it’s 10 degrees out in the middle of the night!!!

Good luck.

[imported_InAlabamaParticipant]

Hello,

I read this method of training in a book from the humane society about 20 years ago and used it on the last puppy that I had.  It worked beautifully.  I started when she was 6 weeks old and she was completely housebroken in 3 weeks.  I owned her for over ten years and she only had 2 accidents in the house after that.   I have had many dogs in my life and this was the easiest and most effective housebreaking method I have ever tried.  If and when I get another dog I plan to do it just the same way.

Puppies (and Kittens) as young as yours do not have total control of their bowels and bladder yet.  Usually they have to “go”within minutes after they eat.   You use this to your advantage.
Instead of putting down food for them to eat at will, you put them on a feeding schedule.
As soon as they finish a meal, you grab them up and run outside with them and put them where you want them to go.  When they poop on the grass you act like they have just presented you with the crown jewels, patting and kissing and telling them how wonderful they are.
If they have an accident in the house you indicate that you are displeased by scolding them.
For overnight you put them in a box or cage with bedding and toys.  Because they have a natural instinct not to foul their own bed, they will try to hold it in as long as possible.  (Actually I used the bathroom because my last puppy was half St. Bernard.  My little bathroom was just right to be her bedroom.)  In the morning when you get up the first thing you do has to be grab the puppies and run out to “their bathroom.”  If they use the bathroom you go through your praise routine.
Stick with this regimen and before you know it there will be no “accidents” to clean up.  You and your dogs can share a peaceful and pleasant coexistence.

[Anonymous]

PUPPIES ARE THE BEST!  I SUGGEST YOU WALK THEM A LOT AND TAKE THEM TO THE SAME PLACE EVERY TIME. MAKE THAT PLACE THEIR “POTTY” WALK THEM AROUND AND TRY NOT TO LET THEM GET DISTRACTED. IF THEY DO BUSINESS PRAISE THEM A LOT (BUT NOT IN A LOUD VOICE AS THEY MAY MAKE A NEGATIVE ASSOCIATION).  PUT THE LEASH NEAR THE DOOR, MAYBE ON A HOOK SO THAT THEY CAN ASSOCIATE BOTH WITH GOING OUT.  IF YOU CAN TAKE UP CARPET – DO IT.  OR PUT PLASTIC RUNNERS WHEN YOU ARE AWAY.  DO NOT SCOLD A DOG FOR MAKING MESS IN THE HOUSE. SIMPLY SHOW THE DOG WHAT WAS DONE AND IF IT IS SOLID BRING IT OUT TO THE POTTY SO THEY CAN GET A “SCENSE” OF WHAT BELONGS THERE. THERE IS A GOOD BOOK OUT BY APRIL FROST CALLED BEYOND OBEDIENCE WHICH HELPED ME A LOT. I BROUGHT HOME A SEVEN MONTH OLD FEMALE DOG NEVER HOUSE TRAINED AND WITH PATIENCE AND LOVE  AND KNOWLEDGE AND ABOVE ALL ELSE C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-C-Y – I HAD HER HOUSE TRAINED QUICKLY.  
THE BIG KEY IS CONSISTENCY. EVERY ONE IN YOUR HOUSE HAS TO DO THINGS THE SAME WAY AND HAVE THE SAME BOUNDARIES – WHAT IS GOOD FOR ONE IS GOOD FOR ALL AND ALWAYS THE SAME.  

TALK TO YOU FURRY ONES A LOT SO THAT THEY GET TO KNOW YOUR LANGUAGE.  BELIEVE THEY UNDERSTAND AND TALK TO THEM AS YOU WOULD A YOUNG CHILD DISCOVERING THE WORLD.  YOU WILL DISCOVER A FEW THINGS YOURSELF.

ENJOY YOU LITTLE ONES.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all for the great advice. They are still not trained yet, but I am working on it. The female is almost there, she’s sweet and usually goes as soon as I take her out. The male fools around outside too much and seems to think outside is great and wants to play. It is frustrating, but I know its just going to take a little more time. ( Ive had them for a month now!!) Thanks again for your help!  :)

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