What is the best way to housebreak my puppy?
If you are considering crate training, please see “Is crate training a good idea?” Let me offer an alternative method. I have been through many methods over the years, dozens of times. Here is the best one I’ve found. Keep to the same strict diet that your pup was on when you picked him up. Food changes, even a morsel of a doggie treat, will cause diarrhea. Use the same food your pup was on. Do not switch foods during training. Do not give any other food or treat at all. First, remember the primary goal is to establish a communication between yourself and your new pup. You need to speak the same language. The more you can see each other, the better, as you will start off with visual cues. Place your pup in an area where you can observe him. I like to baby gate off a room with a hard floor, such as the kitchen. When he begins to act strangely, (quick movements, excessive sniffing in different locations, etc) I know he is ready to explode. Grab him, and get him outside. Leave him at leas
