[acritzer]

Do many people use treats to positively reinforce house training? Bailey is pretty good about going at scheduled times (after naps, after eating), but she has also gone at some random times as well. At almost 8 weeks, I know periodic trips out are important. Just looking for some extra incentive for her to go outside.

On another note...she's now slept in her crate without a middle of the night trip, two nights in a row. Just like dealing with a newborn.

 

[Jo Ellen]

I had so much fun housetraining Daisy

We used liver treats. They were her favorite by far and the only time she got them was when she went potty outside. I would be ready when I knew she was going to go to the bathroom and would interrupt her midway through to give her the treat. She'd actually stop going to the bathroom to get her treat (with lots of verbal praise), and then go back to finish after -- so most of the time she got a couple of liver treats.

She was completely housebroken within a couple of weeks.

The more opportunities you provide for reward, the more quickly your pup will be housebroken. Make it fun!

 

[BeauShel]

I didnt use treats but whenever I took Bama outside, I was his biggest cheerleader. The neighbors must have thought I was crazy because I was so excited and bouncy when he did his business.

 

[Willow52]

I used treats while housebreaking Hank. Wellness Puppy Treats quartered. They're soft, 1"square and easy to cut with a scissors. He loves them.

 

[cubbysan]

I didnt use treats but whenever I took Bama outside, I was his biggest cheerleader. The neighbors must have thought I was crazy because I was so excited and bouncy when he did his business.

My kids tell me I am embarressing them!

 

[timberwolf]

We used treats when we were housebreaking Timber and they worked great.
Also, on the advice of his trainer, when he squatted to pee, we would say "Have a pee".
Now when we take him outside and say "have a pee", he will actually do it on cue.
Works great when it is raining and I don't want to stand outside

 

[fuzzbuzz]

I used treats and did the happy dance when they did their business along with lots of praise.

 

[Minnesota Rosie]

We used treats with Rosie, and she was easy to potty train. A trainer at Petco suggested using a high-value treat as a reward for potty training. It seemed to work for us.

 

[sammydog]

I used treats to potty train all of the dogs. With Mira I even started to play tug with her to teach her to find her spot faster. She is one of those dogs that liked to sniff everywhere first. So I would bring her tug and tell her to hurry, she would go quickly so she could come back and play tug!

 

[slip_kid]

it was the only time he got american cheese, at about 3.5 months we went to regular treats, mostly cause of the gas...

at almost 6 months (next week) he still gets a normal treat whenever he goes in his spot. has to be in his spot. we'll keep doing this so he's motivated to run to his spot in the cold and snow.

with regard to liver treats, teh vet has these, so we wont use them at home. he knows the only time he'll get them is at the vets so he's PUMPED up when we pull into the guys office.

 

[arcane]

I didnt use treats but whenever I took Bama outside, I was his biggest cheerleader. The neighbors must have thought I was crazy because I was so excited and bouncy when he did his business.

this is the way I housetrain as well!!!!!! I rarely use food treats for any training...my kids thrive on praise and hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[arcane]

I know I'm a hard @$$

another thought that most don't remember...an 8 wk old is a baby! If they have an accident I don't blow a gasket! most times it is *our* fault not theirs!

I wouldn't expect a newborn baby to be able to use the potty, or sleep through the night, so I am surprised when I hear of/read how people expect a 7.5-8 wk old puppy to be perfect after just being in their new homes a few hrs or days ....don't sweat the small stuff is my motto!!!

They'll be full grown in the blink of an eye!!!!!