And puppies are no different. Access to water 24 hours a day is a must, but a light metal bowl is easily knocked over and a plastic bowl can be chewed apart, both leaving a wet mess. With a puppy, a ceramic bowl is a good option.
Give your puppy a bed to sleep in every night.
The bed should be a warm rug or a piece of synthetic fur that can be easily moved should the need arise. This way, if you ever have to move your puppy, it will have the security of sleeping in the same bed. It is best to choose something that is easily washed.
Keep a large supply of old newspapers on hand.
You will need to keep the floor of your puppy's living area covered until your dog is fully housebroken. When your puppy does have an accident in the house, be sure to clean up the mess immediately and thoroughly. If a puppy can smell a spot where it has messed previously, it is likely to use that spot again.
Stay with your puppy when you take it outside.
You want to catch your puppy doing something right, so you can praise it immediately. A small food treat, such as a puppy biscuit, can help to reinforce good behavior. That way, your puppy will quickly learn that when it goes outside, it gets rewarded. When your puppy has an accident inside, gently discipline with a firm "no" or "stop." Remember to keep your dog on a leash in public places and to dispose of the droppings in an appropriate manner.
