I came across this tip while trying to find not only an effective (and sanity saving way) to combat pets soiling in the home but to help encourage (and discourage) my young puppy from going in the house while housebreaking him at the same time.

White Vinegar. Water. Spray bottle.

Natural.Simple.Cheap.Works.

I have to add that it helps to use this along with anything that breaks down enzymes as well but as a stand alone product, white vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle works really well in diffusing areas that the puppy has decided to go at.

The white vinegar basically neutralizes traces of ammonia that tends to linger behind and removes any scent from the spot so the puppy can not come back to the area.

Used with baking soda…it’s effective with housebreaking, because as long the puppy can no longer pick up “cues” in the home, he is more likely to go outside, but if he can still smell where he has gone before…it’s a never ending cycle.

This helps to if the puppy is older as well because as young puppies, they still don’t have good bladder control (sounds familiar to potty training I know, and white vinegar helps there too for those occasional on the floor accidents).

In our case, he is 4 months old and still prone to accidents particularly when playing with his older brother (oh that is just so much fun there), however for on the spot treatment short of tearing one’s hair out…this works great.

A plus to this as well is that white vinegar can be used to clean shower doors (thank you so much to Amydeanne of “The 160 acre woods” for alerting me to that fact) and keeps puppy from licking the shower door (don’t ask, I won’t tell).

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About the author

Twinkle Mom

Stay at home mother, home educator and owner of two dachshunds known as "Double Trouble",Twinkle Mom chronicles her reflections on being a Christian woman, wife and mother and her journey walking with God as she strives to grow in His light.

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