Training Methods

There are two methods that are generally used in housebreaking: paper training and crate training. They each have advantages and disadvantages, and the method you choose will depend on your living situation and lifestyle.

Paper Training:
Paper training is typically used by people who live in apartments or who are away from home for extended periods during the day. It basically consists of spreading newspapers on the floor in one room for your dog to use. Gradually you will be able to take away newspapers as your dog settles on a favorite area of the room. Once your dog is used to going on the papers, you will take them away and start bringing him outside instead.

This method usually takes longer than crate training, and some dogs simply will not go on newspapers. Since no dog has ever become literate through paper training, crate training is probably the preferable training method if possible.

Crate Training:
If you decide to use a crate to housebreak your dog the crate should be inviting, since your dog will view it as his home (or den) until he is trained. You can do this by putting a blanket and a couple of toys in the crate. Part of the crate can also be lined with papers for him to use overnight or if you're gone for long periods. Generally a dog will not go in his own bed, so being in the crate will teach him to hold it until he is outside.

Eventually your dog will view the whole house, and not just his crate, as his home and consequently will not go anywhere indoors.