Help! All My Puppy Wants To Do Is Play When Outside

So....You have a new puppy! What joy and hours of enjoyment are ahead...or are they?

Are you starting to regret that purchase or wish that someone else could take over the difficult chore of housebreaking that new addition to your family? Well, don't give up. There is hope on the horizon.

I have been where you are right now. I am a breeder of Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Dachshunds and I have 5 Yorkies that live full time in my house so I have done my share of cleaning up accidents and getting frustrated.

Housebreaking can be almost effortless with some puppies and seem to be a neverending process with others. Understand this first-each puppy has it's own personality and level of maturity. Some are stubborn, some are almost to eager to please. But each one is trainable...eventually.

I am going to give you a few helpful hints on what I have discovered in my own personal experience to be very valuable.

• First of all, purchase a very good cleaner to use to clean up accidents and a large supply of paper towels or rags (a Mini Carpet Shampoo Machine would also be helpful). Make sure the cleaner is one formulated to clean up Pet Waste and Urine. This will kill germs that might be harmful to your pet and will aid in the cleaning and smell removal factors. I use a product called "Out". You can find it at most Pet Supply Stores or via a search on the internet. This is just one of the many products out there that are formulated specifically for this use.
• Your next important purchase is a collar and leash. Make sure that the collar fits comfortably and isn't too loose or too tight. Then spend some time with your pup getting him, or her used to having the collar and leash connected to them.
• Then you will need to have or purchase a cage or crate to keep them contained when you are not able to watch or play with them. I get mine used to being in it for naps and other times when I am busy and not able to spend quality time with them. This will become their own space and they will grow to value it and know that it is their safe zone. I keep the doors of the cages open and often find my adults dogs have gone in on their own and are resting in their cages.
• The next item on the list is toys and more toys. You need to make sure that you don't get so wrapped up in the housebreaking battle that you forget to enjoy that little bundle of joy.
• The next items you'll need is patience and perserverence. Don't get discouraged or give up. Hope is on the horizon.

I believe in leash training. That is how I have found that I have the most success. Puppies have a tendency to play when outside instead of learning what they are out there for. A leash curbs that tendency if you use it along with a voice command. Use whatever command you feel comfortable with. I used "Go Potty". I have a 12 year old Yorkie that still will go and potty on command.

It is not always going to be easy to take the puppy outside on a leash. There is the cold or hot weather, rain or snow and more. But if you keep at it you will finally reach success. If you are not able to always take your puppy outside to relive itself there are other options.

• Puppy Pads - Sold almost everywhere they sell Pet Supplies. They are supposed to have a scent in them that persuades the pup to do it's business in that location. There are also frames that you can purchase to hold the pad in place. (I never personally had much success with this. My pups pottied there a few times but preferred to tear them up.)
• Dog Litter - Works on the same principle as Cat Litter. (I never had success with this one either. My pups ate it. I called the company to find out if it would hurt them to eat it but was told it wouldn't. All the same I discontinued using it since I didn't like them eating so much compressed paper.)
• Wizdog - Indoor Dog Potty - Wow!! Great New Product! - (I use this one myself) a revolutionary housetraining system for dogs. Consisting of a durable plastic pan and fitted grate, liquid waste dispenses through the grate onto newspaper or pee pad, separated from your dog's paws - No more wet paw tracks throughout your house! Go see for yourself - Wizdog.com a new revolutionary housetraining system for dogs. Consisting of a durable plastic pan and fitted grate, liquid waste dispenses through the grate onto newspaper or pee pad, separated from your dog's paws - No more wet paw tracks throughout your house! Go see for yourself - Wizdog.com
• Penthouse Potty - This one sounds really great. I wish I had thought of it. It's a little expensive but imagine having a little bit of the outside on the inside. It has a framework that holds soil-less sod and there is a collection tray underneath to catch the waste. You water the sod and it cleans it at the same time. (I may have to get one of these and try it!)

Finally, don't get discouraged and give up. You don't want to let a little thing like that puppy win the battle do you? Keep at it and eventually you will notice that you are winning the battle. Praise your doggie (I do it even after they are grown) whenever they do their job outside or wherever you want it done. Praise is very important. They live to please you! Eventually you will find that you have a dog that is housebroken and you can't imagine living without your beloved pet.

Do any of you have any other successful experiences to share? If so, please share them with us.