Originally published here: Puppy Potty Training Tips
If you have ever potty trained a child, you should know that potty training your puppy will be just as challenging, but should take far less time. Puppy potty training helps you not only avoid having to deal with messy “surprises” your pet leaves for you, it can help you establish a strong bond with your puppy.
1. Crate train! One of the best things you can do for your puppy is to crate train him. Dogs do not want to soil their sleeping area, so if you purchase a crate that is only big enough for your dog to lie down in comfortably, it will go a long way in helping you to potty train him. Put your puppy in the crate at night or when you are away from home. Be sure not to buy a crate that is too big. If you do, your dog can relieve himself in a corner and then go back to his sleeping area. This is counterproductive.
2. Use a puppy potty training chart! If you keep a record of when your puppy eats and how long after he typically has to relieve himself, it can help you get him outside in time.
3. Be consistent! Feed your dog and take him outside on a consistent schedule. Also, take him out frequently when he is learning to puppy potty train.
4. Give praise! This is really important. Make sure you catch your dog doing good things and praise him for it. This encourages him to repeat good behavior. Try to do this instead of punishing negative behavior.
5. Establish his potty territory! If you have a yard, make sure your dog goes to the same area there to relieve himself. Sometimes dogs get excited to be outside and forget they have to go, but being in that same area will remind him and he’ll do his doggie business quickly. Don’t let him play until he goes because playing is a reward.
6. Accidents will happen! If your dog doesn’t make it outside and messes inside the house, don’t punish him. He tried. Clean it up and take him outside. Praise him when he goes outside.
7. Start early! As soon as you get your puppy, take him outside and start the training.
Using these puppy training tips, your dog will soon be letting you know when he has to go outside. It takes time and persistence, but you can do it. You may, however, run into some puppy potty training problems. What do you do then?
8. What if your puppy refuses? If your dog eliminates inside and refuses to go outside, you could have unintentionally taught him that behavior. This often happens when dogs go and then have their noses rubbed in it or are otherwise punished. If you don’t actually catch your dog soiling the floor, do not punish him. If you wait until after, he won’t understand why he’s being punished. Keep your dog on a regular schedule, don’t punish, and remember to praise.
9. What if your puppy marks his territory? Some dogs – especially those who are insecure – may mark their territory. If yours does this and is male, consider getting him neutered. You can also make sure you take him outside regularly. Don’t punish him because that may make it worse. You’ll need to build trust with the dog to make sure it feels secure.
10. Submissive urinating? Submissive urinating is when the puppy pees when he’s upset and excited. This is not controllable and should not be punished. Your puppy should outgrow this by four to seven months.
The most important thing you can do when potty training a puppy is to praise him. Don’t ignore good behavior. This can be a tough period of dog ownership, but it also helps build trust and good relationships with your pet.
If you need puppy potty training help, there are a lot of resources available:
1. Download Sadie Dal’s excellent eBook: How to Housebreak Your Puppy in 7 Days or Less. It comes with everything you need including puppy potty training schedules and some nice bonus materials. At $19.95 it is a great value.
2. Click here to learn about the popular SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems, including house training.
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