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If you choose to keep you gun dog indoors, then one of the first necessary steps will be housebreaking your puppy.
While several methods exist, I will address “crate training." While the goal is to housebreak your new hunting
companion, it is also the perfect time to introduce the “kennel” command. While not as high on the list as “here” and
"whoa,” the command "kennel" will certainly make your life a lot simpler, not to mention cleaner. Believe me when I
say that if you haven’t taught your dog to kennel, all it will take is one run in with Pepe Le Pew to learn the value of
this command.
For those of you not familiar with the kennel command, let me pause at this point to explain its meaning. Kennel is the
command given to a dog when you want him to enter his crate (or a dog box, outdoor pen, etc.). To overlap this
command with crate training, each and every time you put your puppy in its crate, say “kennel.” From time to time give
your puppy a treat, but only if he enters his crate on his own. You’ll be surprised how quickly he picks up this
command.
CRATE TRAINING: As previously stated, crate training is an effective means for housebreaking your puppy. The
crate should be a happy and safe place for your puppy to stay while you are away or unable to DIRECTLY supervise
him. It should be a “den’ for your puppy -- a special place all his own to rest or just get away from it all. The crate
should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and sleep comfortably. TIP: Never “pull” your puppy
out of his crate. Remember, it’s his safehouse. Forcibly removing him can create problems down the road. If he does
not immediately come out, just leave the door open and he'll come out on his own to see what you are up to. Once he
comes out, take him immediately outdoors. A dog’s natural instinct is to keep its den clean. It does not want to soil
where it sleeps. At this point you think keeping your puppy in the bathroom may work. Trust me, it doesn’t, because it
offers too much room. Even a crate that's too big will not work. With regard to housebreaking, smaller is better.
Puppies have small bladders and need to relieve themselves every few hours. If possible, don't leave your small puppy
in a crate for more than four hours at a time (except at night). You do not want to “teach” him to soil his den. As
your puppy grows, you will be able to extend the time you leave him in his crate. TIP: In the early stages of training
you should take your puppy outside about once an hour. Once outside, allow your puppy 3 to 5 minutes to produce. If
he does, lavishly praise him and give him a small treat. If not, back to the crate for a short time, and then back
outside. Continue this procedure until your puppy produces. Additionally, do not feed your dog right before crating,
and certainly do not feed him in the crate.
Here are few general rules of thumb for housebreaking:
WAKE UP: When you wake up, take your puppy outside IMMEDIATELY! Carry him to the designated area for
relieving himself. The scent of urine where he has previously urinated will trigger his urge to go. When he goes,
lavishly praise him. Pick him up and take him inside. You do not want him to turn outside time into playtime; if he
does, what normally takes five minutes turns into 30.
A.M. FEED AND WATER: Give your puppy the amount of food as instructed by your vet, and all the water he can
consume in one sitting, then put both up until lunchtime. Spend time with the pup, watching for signs of sniffing or
circling. Usually, within 5-15 minutes after eating, it will be time to go outside. Remember to carry him to the
designated spot (unless you want him to use the whole backyard). Then go back inside as soon as he is finished. Follow
this same procedure when you return home for lunch and supper.
GOING TO WORK: Going out for awhile? Place the pup in his crate with a blanket, toys, chewies, etc. You may
want to place a light cover over the crate to make it dark and cozy. Whining is okay and will normally end in a few
minutes, and he will be fine if he has been fed, watered and pottied. NEVER OPEN THE CRATE WHILE THE PUPPY
IS WHINING OR BARKING, AS HE WILL QUICKLY LEARN THIS BAD HABIT!
BEDTIME: Pick up food and water at least an hour prior to placing your puppy in his crate for the night. Take your
puppy outside immediately prior to placing him in his crate for the night. Initially you will probably have to take him
outside once during the night. It’s okay to confine your puppy overnight because he is sleeping and his systems slow
down. If you can handle the first few nights of whining, I encourage you to put the crate in your bedroom. First it
gives the pup 6-9 additional hours around you; second, dogs crated in the bedroom where you are sleeping tend to be
calmer, and more importantly, less needy. In a matter of weeks he will be able to remain in his crate all night long.
BEING AT HOME: Spend as much time as you can with your new puppy, but always remember to DIRECTLY
supervise him. When unable to provide direct supervision, crate your puppy. When he is out of the crate, watch for
sniffing and circling. The goal is to never, never let him go on the floor. Unfortunately, accidents happen, but try to
minimize them. If you see him in the act, clap your hands loudly and say “No,” and then take him outdoors immediately.
TIP: Never correct a puppy for an accident you did not personally observe. Because puppies have short memories,
they won’t associate the correction with the accident, and it may cause the puppy to fear you. Always watch your
puppy closely when out of the crate. He will almost always have to go outside after periods of play or sleep. Bladder
control increases with age.
GOOD LUCK!
following:
Taylorsville, GA
info@Quailpointkennels.com
Chris Kahlan 770-378-2407
Greg Bayer 678-773-5667