Housebreaking A Puppy

by K Nelson
(Minnesota)

I am getting a puppy for my kids for Christmas. I can't remember how old they should be before they go outside to do their business!!

It's very cold and he's only going to be 6 weeks, so I was figuring I'd paper train or crate train first??
Thanks for your help.
K Nelson




Hi K
6 weeks old is very young, in fact it's much better to let a puppy stay with it's momma and littermates until it's at least 8 weeks old.

Puppies have no bladder/bowel control to speak of prior to 8 weeks of age, so potty training will be very difficult. You'll need to take him to his potty spot every 30 mins during the day, and likely 2 or 3 times at night.

Crate training is the best, quickest and simplest way to housebreak a puppy, but due to your pups age he may have some difficulty with this at first. If at all possible, it's best to train him to go outdoors right from the beginning. He shouldn't need to stay outside for long and you can always get him a little coat/sweater to wear if he's a small breed/has short hair etc. Puppy pee pads aren't very useful, a dog litter box would be a better option if you want to go that route.

For the first couple of weeks you may need to alternate the crate with a playpen/litter box combination if your going to be using one. Make sure you supervise him very closely whenever he's not in his crate, and don't expect too much. There will be accidents, just do your best to minimize them.

As it's been a while since you raised a puppy, I think you'll find my Crate Training, Potty Training and New Puppy Care and
Best of luck with your new pup!