Make House Breaking Your Dog a Breeze with these Supplies

Crate

A crate is a real problem solver for puppies just learning how to manage their pottying. 

Crates can be as simple or as elaborate as you care to go and can double as your dog’s bed and safe haven. 

The one featured on the left can double as a piece of furniture!

Crate pad blanket, dog bed or cover

You can use a blanket or towel, but why not make your dog really comfortable.

To complete the crate, a soft, thick pad, pillow, or doggie bed should line the crate making it a super comfortable place for your dog to rest or sleep.

X-pen, Infant Gates

When house breaking your dog, your puppy will need to be confined until they are relatively consistent with pottying in the appropriate area. 

A small room or part of a room works well for a young puppy.  X-pens provide plenty of room for the puppy to play or nap and still keep them safely confined.

Stain & Odor Eliminator

Puppies and even older dogs will make mistakes, and the best way to treat them is with an enzyme cleaner that neutralizes both the stain and the odor. 

There are many brands on the market, and I have not found one that is far superior to the others—most work reasonably well and are a real must when house breaking your dog. 

Treats

Most dogs crave our attention, cuddling and petting, but if you really want to get their attention, a tasty tidbit of something extra delicious will work wonders. 

You can purchase treats or make them yourself.  The key is finding an assortment of treats that your puppy loves.

The treats on the left are my dog's favorite!

Collar, Harness, Leash

Unless you have a fenced in yard, the only really safe way to take your dog outdoors for pottying is on a leash.  Small dogs do better with harnesses, but collars are needed to hold tags.  Leashes come in different sizes and colors and an assortment of materials.  Retractable leashes work well if you are only taking your dog outdoors for pottying.  If you plan on purchasing only one, we recommend a 6 foot nylon leash that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Potty Pads
Indoor Potty

If you prefer to house train your dog to potty indoors, you will need disposable or washable potty pads or a type of indoor potty system such as those that use artificial turf.  You can also purchase holders if using disposable pads so that the pads stay in one place and don’t accidentally become a play toy for a frisky pup.

Optional:  Bells

I have heard people swear by these.  This system comes with a DVD that shows you how to house train using the bells.  The idea behind this method is that you train your dog to ring the bell when they need to go outdoors.

You can use washable bands that work very well with a feminine hygiene product. 

The bands can be as colorful as you like, and all my guys who like to mark will wear them with no problems. 

Most bands I have tried last a long time, but the Velcro that holds them in place will wear out after a number of washings. 

Be sure to measure your dog's waist before ordering

Dog Poop Bags

If you are out and about with your favorite small dog, cleaning up after him is a must. 

You can save and recycle your old plastic bags or buy a fresh supply in any color of the rainbow. 

We thought we should add these here even if they are not exactly an aid for house breaking your dog.

Pooper Scoopers

Perhaps it's not you favorite weekend chore, but it's gotta get done either by you or you can hire a service to do it for you.

Best to have the right tools for the job and a scoop with a rake is necessary if you are removing feces from grassy areas.

Sprays, drops, stakes, cute little articles infused animal urine

These products are supposed to encourage the dog to sniff and urinate. 

Most people find the odor offensive, and we think it is a waste of money.  If you want to train your dog to go in one area, then you have to take them to that area. 

A sample of their own urine is FREE, and you can collect it with paper towels and then rub it on the surface where you want them to go. 

This is just as effective as buying an awful smelling product that doesn’t work any better than the stuff your dog will gladly give you for free.