When does one start puppy training?
Immediately upon acquisition. It is much easier to guide a puppy into acceptable behavior
than to correct unacceptable behavior later on. Housebreaking is quite easy, all it takes
is being bit proactive.

When I catch my puppy house soiling, should I scold him, tap his bottom or
rub his nose in it?
   None of the above. Punishing when housetraining will only work against you. It'll make
your puppy distrustful, or afraid to relieve himself in your presence outdoors or
when hearing your voice. Instead interrupt the pup by picking it up and taking
the puppy to the preferred doggy toilet area.

In the evening when we watch TV, my 5 month old puppy goes down to the
basement and relieves himself. Doesn't he understand not to mess in the house we live in?
   Not just yet. It'll take some time for the puppy to realize it must keep the whole house clean.
I generally do not trust my puppy out of sight in the house until over 1 yr old. My suggestion
would be to block off the room where you and pup are. As added insurance, be
sure to shut the basement door.
   The average pet owner tends to give their puppy more responsibility than a dog trainer would.
This is why housetraining is difficult for some.  Limit his responsibility until his age and behavior
indicate he is ready for more freedom. How old would a child be before you give it unsupervised
run of the house?

I read somewhere that the best method when housebreaking a puppy is to confine him
to a small area when I am gone and when we sleep. I do put him in a laundry
room but he cries all night.
   You need to crate train your puppy. Keep the dog crate in your bedroom. This gives
the puppy 6-9 hours more time with you. Crate training the pup via sleeping in the bedroom
helps it bond better, be less needy and demanding of your attention.  Pup is also most likely
to sleep through the night uninterrupted.
    Be sure that the crate is big enough for puppy to stand up turn around and lie down.
But not so big as to mess at one end and sleep at the other. Use a divider or cinder block
to make the space smaller.
   Be sure to put puppy out for a quickie before crating it. Never use the dog crate for punishment.
Avoid crating for more than 5 hours at a clip. Seek advice from a dog trainer if you
are having a difficult time crate training your puppy.



Call today for a free telephone evaluation of your dog or puppy.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA 703 893 6049
MARYLAND & WASHINGTON DC 301 657 8533