Housebreaking a dog is training the dog whether it is a puppy or an older dog not to go to the bathroom inside or training it to go in the proper place. Housebreaking a dog can be frustrating at times but with consistency any dog can be trained. Most puppies are unable to physically be totally housetrained until they are 12 weeks old due to the size of their bladder. But puppies under 12 weeks old can still be trained and learn there just may be accidents until the puppy’s bladder is fully grown, if the owner is not proactive. There are several techniques that can be used in housebreaking a dog. One thing to keep in mind is that physical reprimands such as spankings are not effective housebreaking techniques. Older dogs can also be housebroken if proper skills weren’t established when the dog was young. Often times it takes a little longer to train an older dog but it can be done. Dogs are extremely eager to please especially their owner which is why when done correctly, housebreaking almost always has successful results.