A new puppy can be a fun addition to your family. However, puppies come with a lot of work attached, and one of the first jobs you’ll need to successfully complete will be potty training your Rottweiler. This process usually starts the day you bring your pup home and can continue for a couple of weeks or a couple of months. Housebreaking requires a lot of consistency and patience on your part, but the reward in the end is a dog that doesn’t soil your carpet and is on the right track for other types of training.
The fastest and easiest way to housebreak most puppies is the crate training approach. The only equipment required is a crate that is big enough to house your dog, but not so big that you think it’s okay to go potty in it. Some large crates come with a divider that you can place inside to make a smaller space for your pup and expand as your dog grows.
The basic idea behind potty training a Rottweiler is to try to eliminate the possibility of accidents as much as possible. Once your pup has soiled your carpet, it is very likely that he will return to that spot to relieve himself in the future. Of course, he won’t be able to prevent all accidents, so keep an enzymatic cleaner on hand that will clean stains and effectively remove odor, so your dog can’t locate the places he’s gone before.
To prevent accidents from happening, you must constantly monitor your puppy and take him outside regularly. Young puppies can’t hold urine or feces much longer than an hour or two, and this time will get longer as your pup gets older. Take your puppy to the spot you want him to relieve himself after meals, naps, and playtime. This will teach your puppy where you want him to go, which is an important step in potty training your Rottweiler.
Since it is impossible to watch your pup every second, the crate will become an important tool in potty training your Rottweiler. When you can’t keep an eye on your puppy, such as at night or when he’s out and about, your puppy can spend time in the safe haven of his crate. Since your puppy doesn’t go to the bathroom where he sleeps, he’ll learn to hold it until he can go outdoors and you won’t have to worry about accidents. However, keep in mind that young puppies can’t last more than a couple of hours, so don’t leave your dog in his crate for long periods of time.
Potty training the Rottweiler requires patience and persistence, but your pup will master it over time. Be sure to praise your pup enthusiastically when he meets your expectations and limit his punishment to a firm “no” when you catch him pottying around the house. In time, your pup will be fully tamed and his floors will be safe once more.