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House Training You New Puppy

House training your puppy can go smoothly if you take the time to follow a regular routine and have a training plan.

Your puppy should sleep in an appropriate size crate. A crate that is too big may leave enough room for a "potty area" and defeats the purpose. Make a point of getting up throughout the night for very young puppies.

Upon waking, immediately take your puppy outside. Carry them out if necessary. When they go to the bathroom, reward with special treats, then have a small play session. Some dogs learn quickly that it they "hold it," they get more time outside. Then they go in the house. Avoid this with the play session. Return into the house with supervised free time.

If you work, take the puppy out before going to work, and then crate during working hours. However, make a point of returning home for bathroom breaks. If this in not possible, ask a friend to help, or hire a service to help temporarily. The expense is worth the time, frustration and money spent in undoing bad habits. You will likely save money on cleaning and repairs down the road too. If you are home, take your puppy outside as needed throughout the day, especially after eating. drinking. playing or sleeping.

Take your puppy outside to potty whenever you take the puppy out of their crate.

Supervise throughout the evening and give breaks as necessary. Give one final break just before YOUR bedtime.

Do not give your puppy freedom in the house too soon. He has to earn it. If you cannot watch your puppy 100%of the time, put him in his crate.

Try hooking your puppy’s leash to your belt so he can be with you and you can keep and eye on him.

If you are still having problems, speak to your veterinarian. Some medical conditions, such as a bladder infection may interfere with bladder control.

HOUSE TRAINING TIPS
Schedule regular meals. Do not free feed. REGULAR meals allow you to easily predict bathroom needs. Don't schedule meals immediately before leaving for work, or just before going to bed. Leave time for digestion and elimination. Most puppies need to go right after eating and about an hour after eating.

Supervise and watch for signs your puppy needs to go - sniffing and circling.

Give the puppy a way in which he can communicate his need to go outside. You can use a bell on your door. By teaching your puppy to ring a bell when they need to go, you often avoid accidents.

Praise quietly while your puppy is in the act of going. Don’t interrupt him. Treats come IMMEDIATELY after.

Reward success. Don't always go right back into the house after a successful bathroom break, go for a walk, or have a play session. If you hurry back inside, most puppies learn quickly to hold it as long as possible to prolong their walks.

If an accident happens, interrupt but don't punish. Pick the puppy up and hurry them outside to finish. Puppies that are scolded often learn to hide when they have accidents, or even go as far as eating their waste.

Feed in your puppy's crate. Dogs are very reluctant to eliminate where they eat and sleep.

Don't paper train, unless you plan to use paper for life.

Clean accidents with a cleaner designed to break down the urine with enzymes. NATURE'S MIRACLE is a good product. Many household cleaners mask odors, or use ammonia. This keeps dogs coming back.

Remember ALWAYS clean up after your puppy! Carry “pickup” bags on all your walks.
Submitted by THE CRITTER COTTAGE