The formation of cleanly habits about the house is a matter which cannot be overlooked, and in attaining it many homeopathic doses of prevention are 'Worth more than a few allopathic ones of dog whip. Sometimes the latter is necessary, but before resorting to it be perfectly sure that the culprit fully appreciates why he is being punished and what he should have done to avoid it, and then make the chastisement an adequate one.
The first step in house breaking may be taken as soon as your pup arrives. If he is to be kept in the house, make it a point to see that you or someone else takes him outdoors for a while at reasonable intervals. This will aid greatly in the formation of proper habits, but when (as is certain to be the case sooner or later) the pup misbehaves, drag him to the spot where the wrong-doing occurred, reprimand him sharply, and at once put him rout-of doors, leaving him there for five minutes or so before admitting him to the house again.
The method just described is effective in the majority of cases, and is the first that should be tried. If satisfactory results are not obtained, chain the dog up short at the place where he misbehaved, leave him there alone with a scolding to think about for fifteen minutes, then lead him outdoors and release. This method is based on the fact that most dogs, knowing they have acted improperly, hate to be forced to remain on the scene of the misdemeanor. Such enforced presence causes them considerable chagrin, which they will seek to avoid in the future.
By following these instructions it will often be found possible successfully to house break a dog in two or three weeks, depending largely on how often the opportunity to punish presents itself; but some cases require more drastic treatment. If the :plans suggested do not effect a cure, and if the pup nevertheless seems to realize in what respect he has done wrong yet continues to do so willfully, then reprimand and switch him on the spot, immediately thereafter putting him outdoors. Do not be aftaid of being unceremonious 'about this, and be sure not to release the dog on the piazza or steps-take him all the way to the ground before letting him go. Otherwise he may get the idea that cleanly habits are required only when actually inside the house.
Obviously, it is necessary during the course of house breaking, as well as later on, to watch for and heed any signs the dog may give of desiring to go outdoors. If you see him move toward the door, go at once and open it for him. With this encouragement he will quickly learn to make his wishes known.
Before leaving the subject .of the puppy per se, it may be well to speak of a mistake often made: giving the youngster exercise immediately after a hearty meal. It is natural for a dog to sleep after feeding, as digestion goes on much better when at rest than when active. This applies equally to grown dogs and puppies, and in the case of the latter there is the added fact that the extra weight of the body caused by a good feed may be too much of a strain on the legs if they are required to support it for any length of time. A young puppy's bones and joints are soft and easily overtaxed: many a case of rickets, "cow hocks" or knock-knees is directly traceable to keeping the youngster too much on his feet.