FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Word From... Dr. C.A. Heller III DVM

Housebreaking Your New Puppy

There are many issues involved in training a puppy. The first thing that must be accomplished is house-breaking. This is a reasonable easy procedure when you are routinely with your puppy. They should be let outside to relieve them-selves about every half hour during the first few weeks, gradually increasing the time as your puppy is able. Additionally they should be let outside first thing in the morning, right before retiring for the evening and after every meal. When you take them outside, try to take them to the same area. They will begin to recognize this area as an “elimination area”, which will also be helpful in the house-breaking process. When you are unable to be with your puppy at all times, the method of training that is most widely recommended is “crate-training”.

This method of training involves keeping your puppy confined to a crate at times when you are not available to take your puppy out as often as necessary, and also during the night. Being confined to a crate encourages your puppy to hold their urine and feces until you are able to let them outside. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to have plenty of space to move around, but not so large that they are able to get a great distance away from any mess. Using the crate at night also lets your puppy understand that it is now time for settling down for some rest. (Probably much needed!)

“Paper-training”, where your puppy would be encouraged to go on newspaper, is not generally recommended any longer as it confuses your puppy into thinking that is acceptable to go in the house.

Enjoy your puppy! You will be best friends for life! Also, please remember during this holiday season that giving a puppy as a gift is a present that is not always well received. (Please keep in mind the shelter has gift certificates available.) The decision to acquire a pet should be a thoughtful choice made by the owners themselves.

Happy Holidays!

C.A. Heller III, DVM
Board Member

Contact Us

Telephone
(330)453-5529
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7077, Canton, Ohio 44705
Shelter Address
5100 Peach Street, Louisville, Ohio 44641
E-Mail Address
info@starkhumane.org