House Training your new puppy |
| Jan 10 2009 |
| Articles >> All Pets Articles |
First and foremost, BE PATIENT!
Attach a bell to the puppy so his location is always known. Puppies gravitate to the least frequented areas of the house (spare bedrooms, behind furniture). Don't give your puppy the opportunity to have an accident in the house.
Choose a location outside not far from the door to be the bathroom spot. Always take your puppy on a leash directly to the bathroom spot
- immediately after sleeping,
- 15–30 minutes after eating,
- if he suddenly stops playing and starts to sniff, circle, or squat.
- Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. Feeding your puppy at the same time each day will make it more likely she will eliminate at consistent times.
- Feed three times daily if less than 19 weeks old.
- Don't feed after 8 pm.
- Leave food down for only 15 minutes. Then take her for a walk to the bathroom spot.
Allow no play until elimination occurs. Allow time for lots of sniffing.
While your puppy is eliminating, use a word or phrase like “do your business,” “go potty,” etc. You can eventually use this before he eliminates to remind him what he's supposed to be doing.
Give your puppy lots of praise for getting it right. You can even give her a treat. You must praise her and give a treat immediately after she has finished eliminating, not after she comes back inside the house. This step is vital, because rewarding your dog for going potty outdoors is the only way she will know that's what you want her to do.
Expect your puppy to have an accident in the house—it's a normal part of house-training a puppy. Avoid punishment after the fact; by then it's too late to administer a correction. When you catch him in the act of eliminating in the house, do something to interrupt him, like making a loud noise (don't scare him, just distract). Immediately take him to his bathroom spot, use your potty phrase, praise him, and give him a treat if he finishes there.
If your puppy does have an accident in the house, make sure to clean the area thoroughly. After cleaning take the soiled paper towels, etc., to your puppy's bathroom spot. The scent will help your puppy recognize the area as the correct place she is to use the bathroom.
Crate Training/Confinement
- Dogs will instinctually try to avoid using the bathroom where they sleep.
- Puppies have control of their bladders by 8 ½ weeks. A puppy can hold his bladder for approximately 4 hours at 8 ½ weeks, and 8 hours at 12 weeks.
- Crates mimic dens, which provide security.
- Crates help prevent destructive chewing.
- Crates are OK to use for discipline, similar to “time out.”
- They are not cruel or inhumane.
- Crates are not as effective in older pet store or shelter puppies, but worth a try.
- Remember to eliminate odors and clean thoroughly. Any remaining scent will remind puppy and stimulate further accidents. A soiled rag or feces left in “correct areas” will help reinforce where you want them to go.
- And finally, be patient.
Last changed: Jan 27 2010 at 5:11 PM
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