House Training

Consider buying a crate for your puppy to use.  A wire crate makes housebreaking easier (put bed in rear, papers in front) and is a retreat when the pup is tired or afraid.  When you aren't home your puppy will be safe from getting into harm's way.  Crate training at night is the most reliable way to train.  You will also need to devote 5-6 days solely to watching your pup and whisking him or her outside every 2 hours.  You may also use the crate during the day, especially if at work.  Never use as a punishment; choose a separate time out area.

With the crate you won't have to worry about your furniture getting chewed up while they are going through the teething stage. As with children, when puppies lose their baby teeth and permanent teeth emerge, they hurt, so they may want to chew to relieve the pain. Don't give them things like an old pair of sneakers. That little puppy won't know an old pair of sneakers from a $400 pair of Gucci shoes.

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