Puppy Potty Training Top Tips
This apparently is the number one cause for dogs being taken to abandoned dog charities. It is often frustrating and often dog walkers are asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. Studies have shown that the best way to toilet train is to use a cage. Normally a breeder will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the crate, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the understanding that dogs do not like to soil their beds and in a cage would be forced to lie in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 8 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During housebreaking, place the puppy inside the cage whenever he cannot be watched, whilst you are say reading to the children. Just prior to placing pup into the cage or taking him out of the crate, take him outside so he can go to the toilet. There should not be any food or water in the crate, just a blanket and maybe a toy to keep him occupied. As your confidence with your puppy increases, you can leave the puppy for longer periods out of the crate.
The cage needs to be right size, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The cage is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing crated as he grows, buy one big enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. This involves being with the puppy constantly, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as sniffing the carpet. Then taking him directly to do his business, then return him straight back, remembering to give him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The pup needs to understand why he was taken outside was for the toilet, nothing else, do not baffle him.
The other alternative to potty training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging them to use these areas, often positioned in the bathroom or utility room. The papers have chemicals to draw them. When you see them with their pre-toilet pattern, pick them up calmly and take them to the pad. Praise them if they do the business. The problem with this method, is you have to transition them to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Potty timing, generally, pups need to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after feeding.
Occasionally dogs will spontaneously urinate when excited or scared, also known as submissive urination. Do not discipline them for this. If they are liable to this, go for a walk, prior to any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, take them for a walk, just before, or when you arrive. The puppy will normally grow out it after 4-8 months.
To strengthen the toilet training, as in dog training, you should to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everyone in the family or in contact with the dog, such as dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the toilet. Use a different word such as “play” if its for more of a fun activity, though he may go to the toilet when he is there.
Potty: Do the business.
Good Dog: For praise – any.
No: When they are doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
There are probably two rules to follow:
1. Always praise success.
2. Do not punish the puppy, if you do not see him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.
If you catch the puppy urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.
