GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Dog owners often struggle with housebreaking their puppies, largely because they fall into common traps that prolong the process. According to Kathryn Newman, owner of Augusta Dog Training, housebreaking is “98% prevention and 2% active training.”
Newman has identified five key misconceptions that lead to poor potty habits.
Misconception 1: “My dog is housebroken at 12 weeks.”
Newman cautions that true housebreaking means a dog can adapt to schedule changes without accidents occurring. Most puppies aren’t fully housebroken until 11-14 months of age.
Misconception 2: “Praise is enough; treats aren’t necessary.”
“Treating in the potty area tells your puppy this is a VIP skill,” Newman explains. For faster and more thorough conditioning, she recommends giving treats in the designated potty area, not just verbal praise.
Misconception 3: “I just need my dog to tell me when it’s time to go.”
This is perhaps the most common mistake, according to Newman. A dog must be completely committed to outdoor potty habits before it can reliably signal. If your puppy still has random accidents, you cannot rely on signaling.
Misconception 4: “There’s plenty of time; he’s just a puppy.”
Newman advocates for a “zero accident policy” from the start. Each indoor accident establishes a precedent that it’s acceptable behavior. She warns there’s a “point of no return” — dogs still having random accidents at 11-12 months may never become fully trustworthy.
Misconception 5: “I don’t need to crate my dog; I can just watch him.”
“This is an impossible bar to meet,” Newman states. No one can watch a puppy constantly. Restricting access teaches puppies that the toilet is outside and conditions their bladder, which is a muscle that needs development.
Newman adds that house size matters: “The larger the house and the smaller the dog, the harder it is to housebreak a puppy.”…