Puppy Potty Training
Housebreaking a puppy is a key responsibility for pet owners, and our guide provides insightful tips to facilitate this process. Puppies need to eat more frequently compared to adult dogs because of the energy they need to grow. This in conjunction with the fact that puppies have smaller bladders necessitates frequent potty breaks especially during the housebreaking period. By observing your pup's digestion cycle, you can create a feeding and bathroom schedule that supports their natural inclination for cleanliness, thus promoting better control. It's crucial to keep your puppy visible when indoors to promptly recognize their bathroom needs. Leave their collar on them with a short leash attached while training indoors as it can serve as a reminder of their responsibilities.
Consider taking your pup out immediately after they exit their crate or finish eating. Stay with them until they have done their business and provide praise each time they go outside. To regulate their intake, only offer food during specified meal and snack times. In the early stages of training, limit water access as they learn to control their bladder. However, always provide water if they seem thirsty. During the day, avoid crating your puppy for more than two hours at a time and feed their last meal at least two hours before bedtime.
When supervision isn't possible, confine your puppy in a crate that's the right size, discouraging them from soiling their living area. Dogs naturally prefer a clean living space. Crate training also prepares your pup for situations like travel and confinement during illness. If a crate isn't accessible, keep them secured on a short chain in a non-absorbent area. Taking these precautions and closely observing your pup promotes faster housebreaking than using newspapers or punishment alone.
For puppies that persistently soil indoors, mild correction may be necessary. Remember to keep the collar and leash on them to ensure they can't evade correction. Swiftly follow punishment by taking the puppy outside. It's key to be consistent and provide ample opportunities for outdoor bathroom breaks to avoid any accidental slips.
Consider using a doggy doorbell as a potty training aid. During training, say "Ring the Bell," guide the puppy's nose to the bell, and immediately praise them, offer a treat, and take them outside. This will associate the command and bell ringing action with the need to go outside over time.
Lastly, various "housebreaking scents" in the market can assist with potty training, either by deterring the dog from a certain area or prompting them to use a specific spot for relief. Always strive to be fair and consistent in your training efforts, leading to efficient and successful housebreaking.
Interested in Learning More?
Check out the Koehler Method of Dog Training made famous by the trainer of Lassie, Ol' Yeller, Rin Tin Tin, and many more famous Hollywood dogs of 19040s and 1950s.
The Art of Raising a Puppy is a comprehensive guide to raising a puppy from birth to 12 weeks old and covers topics such as puppy development, communication, training, and common problems.
