Hi, I'll be getting a puppy in a few weeks and wondered what everyone here advises for potty training/house breaking. I've read a lot into it and most people advise crate training though I'm not sure my mam is 100% into the idea and my mam has had 2 dogs in her life and she doesn't remember barely any problems and it just seemed to happen.

I will be getting a small terrier cross puppy. (no hate for little mongrels please! ^.^) So it's got a couple toy breeds in like yorkshire terrier, shih tzu and also jack russell.

Anyone got tips on how to train, how to handle mistakes and what are your views on crate training?

I know I'll have to get both me and my mam to take them out every hour at least and right after food, waking up and play.
I was thinking that crating would be beneficial and would help if they ever need to stay at the vets or travel in cars in crates so I was leaning towards the crate training but at the same time I want my puppy to feel free but I suppose that will come in time once they are trained. It won't be necessary for too long and we'll be keeping them out playing with them for most of the day (apart from sleepy times!). =]

Any advice welcomed ^.^ Thanks (I'm very over excited about the new addition!)

These are excellent stickies - if you give them a read they should answer your questions .

cages

Housetraining your pup or older dog

I used a crate for Kilo and would for any other pup I ever have - used correctly, I think they are a brilliant tool.

I would attend classes for tips on how to train and for the purposes of socialisation. Go and check a few out now before you have your pup to see what they are like.

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You seem to have researched the basics, but as dogless said read through the stickies as nothing quite prepares you for the reality toilet training doesn't just happen, you will need to be consistent, vigilant and very very patient! Ha ha my pup is crate trained and its been a god send, and above all she LOVES her crate, its her 'quiet' place and she knows if she goes in there she won't be bothered

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Thank you for the advice ^.^ So it's pro crating then ^.^ I will give the stickies a read through. I've looked on loads of sites and read loads of advice so I would say I'm pretty sure I know the minimal but more advice and experience is always welcome!

Dogless, thanks for the stickies. I've also found out yesterday that there are puppy classes at my local community centre, which is just up the street, that are run on my day off work! So I will definitely be taking puppy there even if it's just to get more dog interaction! ^.^