Getting a new dog is a big step that involves a lot of responsibility, especially if it's going to be an indoor dog. They are many things the indoor dog must be taught and housebreaking them is one of the first tasks when you bring your dog home. Some dogs become housebroken very easily while others take longer to housebreak. Just like children, each dog is different and learns at a different pace.
The Italian Greyhound usually takes longer to housebreak than other breeds of dogs. Previous owners of the Italian Greyhound will tell you that it takes a lot of patience, understanding and consistency to get this dog housebroken. Consistency is the most important part in housebreaking them. Do not expect to have your Italian Greyhound housebroken in less than 3 weeks. It often takes much longer, however. You will have to expect an occasional accident during the housebreaking, but with consistency, most accidents can be prevented.
The Italian Greyhound is very intelligent and can understand simple commands. When trying to housebreak this dog, do not talk with long words that the dog won't possibly understand, much less comprehend. A simple command such as "go potty" is simple for the dog to understand. Always be consistent with this command. Most of good dog training comes from consistency and the dog not receiving mixed signals or different commands each time they want something done. Using the same door to take the dog potty will help make it easier for the dog to remember as well.
As is the case with most small breeds, the Italian Greyhound has a very small bladder. This is the main reason why housebreaking often takes longer than with other breeds, specifically larger breeds. They are also known for not having as good bladder control as many other breeds. One reason for this is their bladder muscle is too weak to hold it in very long. Many feel this is due to years of irresponsible breeding of this dog without weeding out poor genetic traits. These are reasons, also, why the housebreaking requires patience. They require positive reinforcement when he is successful at going potty outside when you take him.
The Italian Greyhound should be taken outside upon waking in the morning. As soon as the dog wakes up, he will usually stretch, yawn, and begin sniffing around. At this point, the dog should be taken out. They will usually go shortly after being taken outside. The dog should also be taken out within 5 to 10 minutes after they finish eating or wake from a nap. Because of their small bladder, they won't be able to go for hours like some dogs. Don't be impatient if they seem to go a lot. This is beyond their control. If you ask them to "go potty" at the opportune times and are consistent with the Italian Greyhound puppy or dog, before long you will have a perfectly housebroken dog.
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