Someone asked me the other day if I had any tips for housebreaking a new puppy. All I could think to say was: "Patience. Lots of patience." Once I really sat back and thought about it, I realized that there were a few little things that helped us get through the experience, in addition to ALL THAT PATIENCE ;)
1. Crate Training -
I am a huge advocate of crate training. Not only does it help with housebreaking, but it also ensures your puppy's safety when you have to leave the puppy at home without supervision. Dogs don't see it as a cage, they see the crate as their den. We train our dogs by using a key phrase: "Go to bed." When they go into the crate, they immediately get a treat. It takes puppies a while before they will enter the crate of their own accord (who would want to stop playing?!), but keep the crate a positive place. Our dogs crates are their very own space. We don't force them to come out, we respect their den. We will open the door to the crate, and within a little time, they will come out when they are ready. Their crate has their blanket or dog bed, toys, whatever makes them feel like it is THEIR space. People who come over notice that we will cover the crate when Dakota is barking at new people. This helps her feel secure, and safe in her little den, despite the strangers. Once she is calm and relaxed, then its a great time for her to come meet our new friends. Remember, Berners are supposed to be aloof and stand-offish to strangers. This is a great article by the US Humane Society about Crate Training.
Now, you're taking home a 12 pound puppy that will grow into a 100 pound dog ... how many crates are you going to need over the next year?! ONE!!! Shop around, and find an extra-large crate that offers a puppy divider. It fits inside the crate, and makes the accessible space smaller or larger, depending on your need.
2. Bell Training -
The bell training method worked very well for us. Basically, you hang bells at your door, and every time you take the puppy out to go potty, you gently help them ring the bells with their front paw. It takes a little patience, but fairly quickly, the puppy will start ringing the bells himself when he realizes that he needs to go out, and the bells alert the people: "Please let me out!" We bought our bells on Etsy from THIS SELLER, but you can buy them many places, or make them yourself.
3. Consistency -
This may be the most important part of housebreaking your puppy. Make a schedule, and set an alarm for yourself to take the puppy out at regular intervals. Get to know your puppy. We are noticing that some of the puppies relieve themselves before they eat, and others after they eat. Get to know what your puppy's natural rhythm is and work with it.
4. Housebreaking MYTHS -
"Stick his nose in it" - REALITY: by sticking his nose in it, you teach him that "See this spot here? Recognize it. Smell it. Get used to that smell, and its location" ... which means, "Use this spot, okay?" No matter how upset you are when you put his nose in it, its not going to help at all. Promise.
"Spank him with a newspaper" - REALITY: You are simply teaching him that you hit randomly. He does NOT associate it with his accident, and all this will tell him is: "I'm dangerous to be around because at any random moment, I will smack you FOR NO REASON."
Using these housebreaking myths are detrimental to your dog's potty training experience. Its true for all dogs, but ESPECIALLY a Berner. Because they are so very sensitive to their humans, becoming angry or frustrated teaches your puppy to be shy and fearful. Be patient and kind! Your puppy WILL get the hang of it, and your dog's long-term relationship with you, and all people will be determined, in part, by his housebreaking experience.
If you ever have trouble or concerns with housebreaking your puppy, talk to your veterinarian! They can make sure that your puppy is doing fine physically, and give you suggestions and ideas tailored to you and your dog!
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