House Training a puppy: How long does it take?

Question

We have a small Chihuahua/Miniature Pincer mix.  He'll get to about 10 pounds.  Presently, he's 13 weeks old.  We've had him for 2 weeks.  He is in a cage at night (following directions, giving him enough room to turn around).  We watch him during the day on a leash inside the house.  If we think he needs to go, we take him out.  We have about 1 "accident" per day when he's on the leash inside.  This little guy is FAST. He's there, wagging his tail, in the blink of an eye, there's a puddle.
We've been at this for about 2 weeks.  Just need to know about how long it takes.

Amanda H · Accepted Answer

It depends on the dog, and also how consistant you are with it. 
If you go through the same routine with him everyday, it will take a shorter amount of time. If you praise him for going outside and punish when he goes inside everytime, it will shorten the time.
It just depends really.
It took my jack russell about a month to finally ASK to go outside by going to the door or jumping around when he had to go.

Good Luck!

Sue · Answer

It really depends on the individual dog.  It can take as little as a few days or as long as a few months...  I would suggest that even if you see the puddle, show it to the dog, let him sniff it and then bring him outside.

When he does go outside, congratulate, praise, reward.  If he is choosing the same place to go each time, restrict access to that area.  Some recommendations also include limiting his access inside the house to a small area as he will be less likely to go in the area he considers "his".  The bigger the area, the more likely he not consider it all "his".

House Training a puppy: How long does it take?

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