Dear Maggie,

We’re bringing home a new puppy in a week, and I know you’re into dog training. I’ve never been any good at housebreaking a pup, so I’m kind of dreading this. I just don’t have the heart for discipline. Batting them on the nose with a rolled up newspaper, wiping their nose in it, and so on – just seems mean to me. Maybe I’m just too soft. Aren’t there any other ways to do this, without all the constant messes? If you have any tips I can use, I sure would appreciate them.

Signed,

Puppy Mom-to-Be

Dear Puppy Mom,

Yay! My favorite topic. And the timing couldn’t be better, because there are things you forget as your dogs grow up, but it all comes back to you when you bring a new one home, and as it happens, I just adopted a new family member too. (Note to self—get more paper towels.)

OK, I’m totally against the rolled up newspaper and the rubbing of noses. How nasty! I’m against yelling, scolding and swatting in any form. It’s positive reinforcement that gets the job done, and you’ll be surprised how fast it will work.

Arm yourself with some tasty puppy treats. Or cook a couple of chicken breasts and cut them into tiny pieces. They make the best rewards.

New puppies are easiest, because they sleep so much of the time. Every time the pup wakes from a nap, take him outside immediately. Grab a treat or two on the way. Set the pup down on the ground, and give it a vocal command, whatever you decide to use, just as long as you say the same thing every time. I say, “Go pee!”