Julie,

How do I get my 9 week old english bulldog/boxer mix to stop wetting the carpet? She goes outside handles her business there and then comes in a few minutes later does in inside. HELP PLEASE.

Lou

Hello Lou,

I know it can be frustrating and time consuming to housetrain your puppy but there are ways to help make it go successfully.  Prevention and education are the keys to making this work and that comes from you.  You’ll get there if you follow these steps below:

Housetraining your puppy:

Establishing a routine with your puppy is one of the most important things you can do.  It may take several weeks to housetrain or longer for smaller breeds. 

1. Take puppies out regularly-at least every 2 hours and after eating, drinking, and a nap.
2. Observe your puppy outside and as soon and give it a name like: “do your business”.  As soon as they pee or poop praise and treat at the exact moment they complete it.  Plus, it is important to observe if they did eliminate, because if they didn’t you’ll know you need to bring them out again in a half hour or less. 
3. Puppies need to be fed about 3-4 times a day on a regular schedule.  Make sure you take them outside after eating. 
4. When the puppy is inside with you watch them close for signs they may need to go-it can be a great idea to attach their leash to you so you are always close to them in the initial phase of housetraining so you can have good timing. 
5. Confine them to a small area when you are unable to watch them.
6. If you must leave your puppy for more than two hours you need to give them an amount of space that offers a sleeping area, play area, and elimination area with newspapers on the floor.  Leaving your puppy for long periods of time will prolong the housetraining though. 
7. If you catch a puppy in the act of eliminating indoors, quickly say ‘no’ in a matter of fact way and bring them outside.  Do NOT get angry or punish your puppy for accidents inside.  At this point it is up to you to prevent it and you can cause behavioral problems if you punish your puppy for this. 
8. Clean up all accidents well to remove odor or puppy may want to eliminate in that spot again. 
9. When your puppy has had no accidents indoors for a few weeks you can begin to offer more freedom with you in the same room watching closely.  Slowly offer the freedom and observe closely to be successful. 

With patience, consistency and prevention you can be successful but it can be a lot of work so go into it knowing what to expect and everyone will be happier!

Good luck!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Julie