POTTY TRAINING:
Until your puppy is about 3 months old, your puppy will have to relieve himself quite frequently. It is important to understand a few factors that can make the process faster and easier.

The three basic elements of successful housebreaking are an understanding of the instinctive and biological behaviors of dogs, timing, and equipment.

There are many different ways that you can choose to potty train your new puppy. Crate training, paper training, box training or just using the outdoors. There are many good books on the market to help you with training your puppy. Try to find the way that will best suit your life style and will be the most comfortable for your puppy. It is important to choose one style and stick to it. Do not confuse your puppy by bouncing around to different methods!

Timing:
There are certain times when a puppy must eliminate, it is important that the person in charge of the housebreaking be available at each of those times. Your puppy must be taken out doors:

1. AFTER SLEEPING - Puppies will wake up, move away from their sleeping area and relieve himself.
2. AFTER PLAY TIME - Active playing can trigger the need to eliminate. Puppies may also stop during playtime and eliminate, so have a watchful eye on your puppy during playtime.
3. AFTER EATING- Puppies will need to go outside after eating or drinking.

Location:
1. TERRITORY- All dogs will mark the boundaries of their territory with their urine and Feces. It is very important to realize that the boundaries your dog recognizes as his may not be the same boundaries that you would choose. If your puppy uses the floor or a favorite rug of yours he obviously thinks that this is the edge of his territory. This is his way of saying “NO Trespassing” to other animals.
2. ODOR- If any odor is left in the place where the puppy has had an accident, it will use that same location over and over. There are several products on the market to help eliminate odor but I have found the best products and least expensive can be found in your home. After you have wiped up the accident area, use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the area. This mixture will help to remove the stain and the odor.
3. HABIT- Always keep a close eye on your puppy while he is roaming around. Puppies will usually return to the same location to eliminate again and again.

MORE SUGGESTIONS:

1. Do not free-feed your puppy. Depending on its age, feed your puppy according to a schedule. Take the puppy outdoors to eliminate after each feeding.
2. Keep in mind that young puppies do not have much control. Help your puppy by understanding what its needs are. Establish a designated feeding and watering area and have a scheduled time for walks. This can be a special bonding time for the walker and the puppy.
3. Choose a place outdoors where you want your puppy to eliminate, and always take your puppy to that same spot. Stand there until your puppy eliminates and then praise the puppy for doing his duties!
4. Learn your puppy’s behaviors. It is extremely important to understand what your puppy is doing. This is his way of communicating with you. He may start sniffing around or acting restless. He may even sit by the door or bark for your attention. Pay attention to his needs.
5. NEVER rub your puppy’s nose in an accident! This cruel and serves no purpose.
6. When bringing a new puppy home do not change its brand of food for at least four weeks. This can be a stressful time for puppies and changing its food right away could cause a tummy ache and/or diarrhea for your puppy. You want this transition time to be as pleasant as possible.
7. Do not change your puppies diet abruptly. It can cause diarrhea. On the first two days, each meal should consist of 75% of the old brand of food and 25% of the new brand of food. The third and fourth days feed 50% of the old brand and 50% of the new brand. On the fifth and sixth days feed 25% of old and 75% of the new brand. After day six you can completely eliminate the old brand from the puppies diet.
8. Limit your puppy’s area. Use a crate, close doors, install baby gates, or whatever combination of methods you think will work for you, but keep your puppy confined or within your sight every minute
9. All puppies need quiet rest time, just like a baby. A nice warm bed, free from drafts is a must. Most puppies enjoy the safety of their kennel or playpen for quite time.
10. There are many reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered. The main reason is for the health and well being of your dog. Schedule the surgery after the puppy is at least six months of age and have your vet check the puppies teeth to see if any need to be removed.
11. INSIST that your vet does a pre- surgical blood screening on your puppy before going under anesthesia. This will cost a little extra but it is well worth the safety of your beloved pet.
12. Bathing your puppy. If a gentle shampoo is used, a puppy can be bathed weekly without drying out its coat. Brush your puppy thoroughly before bathing to remove dead hair and mats that will otherwise tangle when they get wet. Place your puppy in the tub and wet him to the skin with warm water. Lather with a gentle puppy shampoo, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. It’s very important to rinse out all of the shampoo. To help in combing out you can use a small amount of conditioner, which is rinsed out as well. Use a towel to absorb as much water as possible. Brush your puppy dry, using a blow dryer set on a warm, gentle setting to speed the process. Hold the dryer at least one and one half feet away from your puppy so you don’t burn his skin. Keep him in a warm place until he is completely dry so he does not get chilled.
13. Vaccinating your puppy. For the protection of your puppy as well as the people around it, it is very important that your puppy receives a series of vaccinations. Your puppy will usually have been given one or two vaccinations before you bring him home from his breeder. You must finish the series of vaccinations in order for your puppy to benefit from them. Your veterinarian will be your best source for guidance in this area.