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How to Housebreak a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Categorized as Training and Behavior, German Shepherd Basic
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Housebreaking a puppy can be a challenging but rewarding process. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that generally respond very well to training, making housebreaking easier than many other breeds. With proper techniques and plenty of patience, you can have your German Shepherd puppy potty trained in as little as four weeks.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to housebreak your German Shepherd puppy successfully.

Why Housebreak a German Shepherd Puppy

Housebreaking is one of the most important training goals with a new puppy. Allowing your dog to relieve themselves wherever they want in the house can create messy clean-ups and staining. It can also confuse your puppy and delay proper potty training.

By properly housebreaking your German Shepherd, you can:

  • Maintain a clean home environment
  • Reinforce good potty behaviors from a young age
  • Prevent “accidents” inside the house
  • Establish a predictable routine for your puppy
  • Strengthen your bond through positive training

German Shepherds are working dogs that thrive on structure and consistency. Housebreaking gives them that structure while also keeping your home clean.

How Long Does It Take to Housebreak a German Shepherd Puppy?

Most German Shepherd puppies can be fully housebroken in 4-6 weeks, though it can take up to a few months for some pups. The timeline depends on:

  • Age – Puppies under 3 months generally have less bladder and bowel control. Older pups housebreak faster.
  • Your diligence – Following a strict routine accelerates the process.
  • Crate training – Using a crate prevents accidents and reinforces training.
  • Frequency of potty breaks – More frequent breaks outside means fewer accidents inside.
  • Positive reinforcement – Rewarding good potty habits motivates puppies to repeat them.
  • Consistency – Sticking to the same commands, rewards, and potty location avoids confusion.

The more consistent you are with housebreaking techniques, the faster your German Shepherd will learn proper potty habits.

Housebreaking Supplies You’ll Need

Before bringing your German Shepherd puppy home, make sure you have the proper supplies to set yourself up for housebreaking success:

  • Crate – This gives your puppy a safe, enclosed space and prevents indoor accidents. Get one just large enough for your pup to stand up, lie down, and turn around.
  • Treats – Small, tasty treats to reward your puppy for going potty outside. Look for soft, bite-sized training treats.
  • Leash – For keeping your puppy close during outdoor potty trips. A 4-6 foot leash is ideal. Consider a hands-free leash as well.
  • Collar – A properly fitted, comfortable collar for attaching the leash.
  • Poop bags – For clean and easy waste removal on walks. Biodegradable bags are eco-friendly options.
  • Enzymatic cleaner – For removing stains and smells after an accident. This removes all traces.
  • Bell – A bell hung on the door can be taught as a potty signal for clever pups.

Having these housebreaking tools ready will set you and your German Shepherd puppy up for success.

Pre-Housebreaking Crate Training

Crate training is an indispensable part of housebreaking your German Shepherd puppy. It gives them an enclosed, den-like space while preventing indoor accidents.

Here are some crate training tips:

  • Place the crate in a corner of a high-traffic family room.
  • Include a blanket and chew toy to make it cozy.
  • Reward your puppy with treats for voluntarily entering the crate.
  • Feed your puppy their meals inside the crate to build positive associations.
  • Limit water 2-3 hours before bedtime to help your puppy hold it through the night.
  • Follow a consistent schedule for crate times to reinforce the structure.
  • Never use the crate as punishment. It should be a calming space.

With proper crate training, your German Shepherd will see their crate as a private den and will naturally avoid soiling it. This prevents indoor accidents while you focus on housebreaking.

Setting Up an Outdoor Potty Spot

Before starting housebreaking, you’ll need to pick an ideal outdoor potty spot for your German Shepherd puppy. This space should:

  • Be easily accessible from the house, preferably near the door you use to go outside. This reduces travel time when your puppy needs to go.
  • Have quick clean-up. A patch of grass, mulch, gravel, or dirt is ideal.
  • Offer partial privacy. This helps shy puppies feel comfortable relieving themselves.
  • Be strictly for potty use. Take your puppy to the same spot each time to reinforce bathroom behaviors.

Mark the perimeter of the potty spot with stones, mulch, or other landscaping so your puppy learns the boundaries. Take your puppy to this spot every time you take them outside to potty. Consistency is key.

How to Housebreak a German Shepherd Puppy Step-By-Step

Once you have your supplies ready and have set up an outdoor potty area, you can begin housebreaking following these steps:

1. Establish a Predictable Feeding Schedule

First, establish a predictable feeding schedule for your puppy. Feed them at the same consistent times each day. Take your puppy outside to their designated potty spot within 15-30 minutes after each meal, when their need to relieve themselves is strongest.

Also limit water intake 2-3 hours before bedtime to help your puppy hold it through the night. Sticking to a predictable feeding and watering routine will sync your puppy’s bathroom habits to this schedule.

2. Use a Verbal Potty Command

Next, choose a one-word verbal potty command like “Go potty” or “Hurry up.” Say this command every time you take your puppy to their outdoor potty area to teach them to go on cue. Only use the command for actual potty time, not general playtime or walks.

3. Supervise Closely & Limit Indoor Freedom

When indoors, closely supervise your German Shepherd puppy at all times. Confine them to one carpet-free room that you can observe until housebroken. Close doors to areas like bedrooms and use baby gates to restrict access. Frequent supervision will prevent sneaky accidents around the house.

4. Reward Outdoor Potty Success

During potty trips outside, bring high-value treats. Immediately praise and reward your puppy with a treat whenever they successfully potty outdoors. Continue treating every success for the first few weeks to strongly reinforce the behavior. Occasional praise and treats can continue indefinitely to encourage your puppy.

5. Clean All Accidents Thoroughly

When accidents inevitably happen indoors, calmly take your puppy outside immediately to finish. Thoroughly clean all traces of accidents inside using an enzymatic cleaner to properly remove stains and odors. Don’t punish your puppy for indoor accidents, just gently interrupt and redirect them outside.

6. Stick to a Strict Potty Schedule

Adhere to a strict potty schedule. Take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, eating, drinking, playtime, and every 30-60 minutes otherwise. Puppies under 4 months need to go out more frequently, even as often as every 20-30 minutes unless crated. Always go straight to the designated outdoor potty spot for consistency. Frequent bathroom trips will minimize indoor accidents.

7. Be Patient & Consistent

Finally, be extremely patient and consistent. Housebreaking takes 4-6 weeks on average, though potentially longer for some puppies. Persist with your routine vigilantly, celebrate all progress, and don’t get frustrated by occasional accidents. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and time will ensure your German Shepherd puppy success.

Following these housebreaking steps consistently and patiently will result in a well-trained German Shepherd puppy in no time. The key is preventing accidents and rewarding outdoor potties heavily. Be persistent!

Common Housebreaking Challenges & Solutions

Housebreaking a German Shepherd puppy comes with some common challenges. Being prepared with solutions will help you power through them:

Your Puppy Has Frequent Accidents in the House

One challenge is frequent accidents around the house. Solutions for this include taking your puppy out more often, at least every 30-60 minutes when active. Also limit access to only one or two carpet-free rooms when supervision is difficult.

Thoroughly double check and clean all soiled areas with an enzymatic cleaner. Avoid scolding or punishment and simply redirect your puppy outside. Ensure your puppy is on a consistent feeding and watering schedule.

Your Puppy Has Overnight Accidents in Their Crate

Another common challenge is overnight accidents in the crate. To address this, limit water intake 2-3 hours before bedtime and take your puppy out right before bed. Set an overnight alarm to take your puppy out once or twice to potty.

Make sure the crate size is just right – big enough to stand, lie down, and turn around. Add absorbent pads and change bedding when accidents occur.

Your Puppy Goes Potty Right After Being Brought Inside

Some puppies also potty right after being brought back inside. Solutions for this include spending 5-10 extra minutes outside to ensure they fully relieve themselves before coming in. Give rewards outdoors as extra motivation to finish potties outside.

Limit freedom once inside and tether your puppy to watch for post-potty signals. Promptly interrupt any indoor accidents and bring them back outside.

Your Puppy Sniffs Constantly and Takes Too Long to Potty

Finally, some puppies struggle to potty quickly outside because they are distracted and sniff around too much. Bring your puppy to their potty spot on a leash to keep them focused.

Use your verbal potty command to remind them why they are outside. Reward as soon as they start to potty to reinforce the desired behavior. Stand nearby silently to discourage sniffing and playing.

Staying patient, persistent, and positive will help overcome any housebreaking struggles with your intelligent German Shepherd puppy.

FAQs About Housebreaking a German Shepherd Puppy

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about housebreaking a German Shepherd puppy:

How often should I take a German Shepherd puppy outside to potty?

Take your German Shepherd puppy outside every 30 minutes to an hour when they are active and awake. Right after meals, naps, and playtime, immediately take them outside to relieve themselves. Puppies under 4 months need to go out more frequently, even as often as every 20-30 minutes unless crated.

Where should my German Shepherd puppy potty?

Pick a designated outdoor potty spot near a door, like a patch of grass, dirt, gravel, or mulch. Always take your pup to this same location and nowhere else in the yard so they learn this is the proper bathroom space.

How do I stop my German Shepherd puppy from having accidents inside?

Frequent supervision, limiting indoor freedom, and adhering to a strict outdoor potty schedule will minimize accidents. Thoroughly clean any indoor accidents with enzymatic cleaner. Never punish your puppy for accidents and simply redirect them outside.

Why does my German Shepherd puppy refuse to potty outside?

Distractions outdoors like smells and sights can delay potty time. Use a leash and verbal cue like “go potty” to keep your puppy focused on the task. Reward them as soon as they start to potty outside so they connect the behavior with a reward.

Why does my German Shepherd puppy have accidents in their crate?

The crate may be too large if they have enough room to potty in one corner and sleep in another. Make sure the crate is only big enough for them to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Limit water before bedtime and set an overnight alarm for potty trips.

How do I know when my German Shepherd puppy is housebroken?

When your German Shepherd puppy has had no accidents for 4 consecutive weeks when given the freedom of the house, they can be considered fully housebroken. However, continue reinforcing their potty training through their first year.

Final Tips for Successful German Shepherd Puppy Housebreaking

Housebreaking your German Shepherd puppy takes diligence, patience, and consistency. Keep these final tips in mind for the best results:

  • Start crate training right away so your puppy has a safe, accident-free den.
  • Feed on a predictable schedule and take your puppy out to potty shortly after meals.
  • Limit indoor freedom unless you can closely supervise your puppy.
  • Reward all outdoor potties, especially during the first few weeks of training.
  • Choose an ideal outdoor potty spot and take your puppy there consistently.
  • Clean all accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces.
  • Stick to a routine potty schedule, especially for young puppies who need to go out very frequently.
  • Be persistent and celebrate small successes throughout the 4-6 week training process.

Stay positive with your intelligent German Shepherd puppy, and you’ll have your new furry friend potty trained in no time. Consistency and praise are key during housebreaking. With your dedicated guidance, your pup will happily learn where to relieve themselves and where not to go in the house.

Conclusion

Housebreaking a German Shepherd puppy requires time, consistency, and positivity. By following the techniques outlined in this guide, you can set your German Shepherd up for housebreaking success within 4-6 weeks in most cases.

With the right tools and dedicated training routine, those messy puppy accidents around the house will quickly be a thing of the past. Your German Shepherd will happily go potty on cue in their designated outdoor spot.

Stick to the schedule, give plenty of rewards for outdoor potties, and get ready to enjoy the benefits of a housebroken German Shepherd puppy.

By Andrew Garf

Andrew Garf has loved dogs, especially German Shepherds, since he was 10 years old. Though he also loves burgers, training dogs is his real passion. That's why he created the website TrainYourGSD.com - to help dog owners learn how to properly train, care for, and bond with their German Shepherd dogs.