New puppies are great fun. They’re cute and cuddly, they’re playful and friendly. There are few who can resist the charms of an itty bitty puppy. This new family member is so loveable, in fact, that you can almost forget one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when that cute little puppy comes home – potty training.
Housebreaking your puppy, also known as potty training, is rarely easy. It can be frustrating actually. Following a plan can ensure that you get through the process successfully. Let’s start with these tips to get you, and puppy, off on the right paw.
Look for circling or sniffing clues so you can catch your puppy in the act when possible. Then you can teach puppy the right way to go potty. Start watching your puppy for signals often referred to as a ‘potty dance.’ These signs often come right after eating or drinking, and very often after playtime. In other words, after you feed your puppy, watch for signs of sniffing, circling, and squatting. Also, after you play, observe puppy for those same kinds of ‘looking for a place’ signs.
Your puppy needs to be shown where to go potty. Try to catch them as they are about to go. The best thing to do is take puppy straight outside in order to help train that the inside of the house is not a potty spot. If that’s not possible then you will likely need to paper train your puppy first with a spot in the house. Your puppy will be able to hold on longer and longer as time goes by, making it possible to start bringing him outside to the potty spot.
When your puppy goes in the right spot, give him a reward by praising him or giving him a special treat. A mixture of treats, praise, and playtime works very well for puppies. Because you puppy wants only to please you and only to play with you, your praise and play means everything to them and they will do anything to get it, including going potty in the right place.
Start setting up a schedule so you don’t have to watch so closely. Typically speaking, most puppies will want to go potty about 30 to 40 minutes after they have eaten, or after waking up from a nap, or after they’ve played hard. Feed your puppy at a time when you know you’ll have time in 30 minutes or so to take him out for a potty run. Set up your playtime in the same fashion and include that 30 to 40 minute time at the end for potty time. If you stay consistent with your schedule, you can relax a bit.
You must keep consistent with you puppy. If you are not dedicated to the training, expect failure. Puppies are creatures of habit. Therefore, if you are providing treats as a reward during potty training, be prepared with them immediately. If potty time is 30 minutes after eating, make sure you get puppy out to the potty spot in 30 minutes. Remember, if you are not consistent, it is your failure, not your puppy’s failure.
Patience is a virtue because puppies have accidents. There will be times when your puppy will suddenly go potty on the floor. Be prepared for this and don’t get too stressed by it. You’re looking for improvement over time. Yes, time. As long as there is a forward progression, you have nothing to worry about. Patience will be your best friend while housebreaking your puppy.
It’s a good idea to limit food and drink about three hours before bedtime. Schedule your puppy’s feedings earlier in the day to help you, and puppy, get a full night’s rest. If you bring home a three month old puppy, expect to set the alarm for every three hours during the night, or wake up to an accident.
Being prepared with this type of information can help you get through puppy potty training smoothly without too much stress. Remember, consistency is key. If you stick with it, your new puppy will be happily house-trained in no time.
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