It’s exciting to get a new puppy. You love this little bundle of energy with the perpetual wagging tail who loves to lick your face. But then reality kicks in and you are faced with house training. It’s important to understand that the earlier you begin the training process the better. The longer your puppy assumes it’s the norm to have “accidents” inside the house, the harder it will be to break the habit. The following is a step-by-step guide to accomplish your goal of having a well-trained puppy.
Establish a Routine
A regular schedule works best. Designate regular times for eating, playing, sleeping, walking, and potty breaks. Your puppy will learn to recognize the appropriate time for each action. Reduce accidents by taking your puppy out first thing in the morning, after your puppy has eaten, right before bed and anytime you return from being out of your home.
Bladder Control Formula= One hour for every month of age. A three month old puppy should be able to hold it for three hours. Unfortunately, this may mean having to take your puppy out in the middle of the night. Tip: Remove water two or three hours before retiring to help reduce night time accidents.
Practice Supervision
Don’t give your puppy the opportunity to eliminate in an inappropriate place. Notice the signs that your puppy needs to go – whining, barking, circling, sniffing the ground, etc. If you have a backyard, take your puppy out on a leash and lead him to a designated “potty spot” that he will learn to use. Don’t indulge your puppy (and yourself) by playing with him until after the business is done; otherwise, once back inside there may immediately be an accident!
Give Rewards
Never punish your puppy for an accident on your living room carpet. If you happen to catch your puppy half way through, immediately take him outside and bestow lots of praise when he’s finished. Whenever your puppy eliminates outside, give praise and a treat as a reward. You can also provide a reward for alerting you when he needs to go out.
Training Using a Crate
Dogs dislike eliminating in their “den,” so crating your puppy at night or when you are out of the house can help reduce accidents. Be sure not to leave your puppy in a crate for too long (no longer than four hours). You can read some steps to follow when using the crate method by clicking here.
Paper Training
Some puppy parents paper train their pets by using Wee Wee Pads or a similar product. These pads are scientifically treated to attract puppies and will protect your floor by absorbing large amounts of urine.
House Training Pays Off
House training a puppy needs consistency and perseverance. However, in spite of the effort involved, you will be rewarded with a cleaner home and a stronger bond between you and your dog. To keep your puppy in optimum health, be sure to keep your vet appointments for regular checkups and vaccinations. And, for any kind of health emergency call your vet immediately. If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, CVETS is always on emergency call to help your puppy.
