When I first brought my pup home, I made sure that I was free for the next two weeks, just so I could devote the entire time to housebreaking(it's a 24 hour job at first) After that, he has been on a schedule that never varies. We've had him for 6 months now and he is very reliable as long as I keep the schedule(which I do). Out every two hours during the day, being fed at the exact times daily, etc. The first 4 months, I even set the alarm for the middle of the night. He is crated at night and in the kitchen only unless I know he has just peed and pooped. I watch him like a hawk and will not feel comfotable until he has not had an accident for a year or more. He has not had an accident in the house in the last few months, but I still don't trust him out of my sight. In my opinion, the hard work and time committment involved in the first few months are worth it to have a well-trained and reliable puppy. It makes home life much more pleasant. I have done this with every dog and have had wonderful puppies. He will be my last, too, since my youngest will be leaving home in a few years and I am too old to go thru the work again.! |