After years of raising dogs and puppies you figure out what works best for you. I have found control through crate training and defining specific areas of the house and yard were the puppy sleeps, eats, plays and soils will directly impact the success of housebreaking.

Controlling your puppy with the right equipment will make the task much easier and more reliable. You would not let a toddler roam through your home unsupervised. Well the same with a puppy! It simply would be too much. Confinement is safe and secure. The type of crate is a personal preference. They vary from the plastic Vari Kennel style, wire crate, or the newer soft-sided varieties. Dogs are den animals and Tibetan Terriers find comfort and security in their "house". Dogs should always sleep in their crates. They are naturally clean and will not soil in their sleeping area provided it is not too large.

Be sure to purchase a crate that is large enough for your dog but not too big where an accident might occur. They should be able to stand, stretch out when sleeping with plenty of room to turn around. Place the crate in an area that is near household activity. They need to know they are part of the family or pack. Hearing your voice, watching you and smelling you nearby are all positive reinforcements that the puppy is a member of the family.

I use my crates for sleep times, escapes from household confusion, when left alone and anytime I want to keep a puppy safe. I provide toys and chewies giving the puppy a positive activity and he/she will learn what it is they are expected to do. Do not use a crate for punishment.

When training puppies, remember they need to go often, about every hour! Their urinary muscles are not fully developed. Make certain they have the opportunity to relieve themselves as much as needed. After play time, sleep, meal times and when he/she is looking for a place to "go". You should take the puppy on a lead to the same spot you want them to relieve themselves using a command. I use "hurry up" or "get busy". Once the puppy has done his/her business give lots of praise. Be sure to allow enough time for the puppy to completely relieve himself.

I also close off my family room with a child gate so the puppies have freedom in the room to play and socialize while they are being supervised. Tibetan Terriers want to be with you at all times. Once trained mine follow me everywhere I go until ... they get too tired (this has happened) and they will lie in the center of the house so they don't miss anything.