As promised, here is the housebreaking checklist directly from my book, Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs.
House Training Supplies Checklist from
“Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs”, by Lori Verni, Certified Master Dog Trainer
Check Off Each Item to Make Sure You Have
All of Your Supplies On Hand!
Crate: Will be used to confine your dog when you’re not able to supervise. Be sure to get a wire crate, not a plastic travel type.
View our recommended crates »
1 or 2 Gates: As your dog starts to get the hang of things, you’ll want to start building up to free run of the house gradually. A gate or 2 will be extremely helpful for keeping your dog in the kitchen, blocking off a hallway, etc.
Consider getting a pressure-mounted gate (no hardware to drill into your walls). Another feature that’s really helpful is a gate that has a walk-through section so you don’t have to step over it all the time.
View our recommended gates »
1 Leash: For you to personally leash walk your dog to the designated bathroom area outside. Also will be used to walk your dog for socialization and exercise. The best type of leash for training is a leather leash. Next best is a cotton or nylon leash. Do not get a chain leash.
View our recommended leashes »
1 Collar: Also for you to walk your dog, and for your pet’s general safety. Your dog will be wearing his collar at all times… even indoors, so be sure to get one that fits comfortably. It should not be too thick and heavy on the dog’s neck, nor should it be thin or flimsy if you have a large dog. For puppies, be sure to get a collar that is size adjustable so you can readjust it as your dog grows. Search Petco.com to find a collar for your pet
1 Large Bottle of Nature’s Miracle Odor Neutralizer Liquid: It is very important that when your dog has accidents, they are cleaned with an odor neutralizer. Dogs have an extremely strong sense of smell, and will likely return to the same areas for additional accidents if the odor is not neutralized. This product has been very effective on both hard floors and carpets. It’s also available in flakes that are special for carpets.
View our recommended cleaning products »
2 Rolls of Paper Towels: Yes, you will need them! And if you don’t use them all, you can always use them for other things!
1 20’ Long Line: This is a long, cotton web lead, which should be 20’ long, and generally comes in 1/2” width. Very helpful for several reasons. If you’re working on teaching your dog to use a designated area in your yard, after awhile you’ll want him to start heading there on his own. By using the long line, you can allow your dog the freedom to go ahead while still having the ‘insurance’ that if he doesn’t, you can redirect him to the right spot.
The long line is also extremely helpful if you don’t have a fenced yard. Dogs need lots of exercise on a daily basis. From a house training viewpoint, exercise also stimulates dogs to go to the bathroom. By using a long line, you’ll be able to let your dog run while still keeping him safe. The long line will also be helpful through various other training exercises such as obedience, the come command, boundary training, and more.
View our recommended leads »
A Pooper Scooper: Preferably the kind that’s like large salad tongs.
This allows you to clean up without feeling like you’re getting down and dirty. View our recommended pooper scooper!
Your Housebreaking Chart: Included in our book!
A Pencil: For diligently keeping track of your dog’s progress. Be sure to keep the chart and pencil in a convenient location near the door through which your dog is consistently walked.
If you have a yard, you will also need:
10 to 30 Feet of Inexpensive Garden Border: If you have a yard and are working toward the goal of having your dog eliminate only in a designated area, this can be very helpful in setting a boundary. A simple, inexpensive wire garden border that you just stick in the ground can help make it clear to your dog which part of the yard is ‘in’ the bathroom area, and which part is ‘out’. The idea is not to fence your pet in… you’re simply creating a boundary line.
A Small Trash Can With a Step-Pop Lid: This is an excellent item to keep in the designated bathroom area for ease of cleanup. Be sure to choose one where the top overlaps the sides a little, so rain doesn’t get in.