It’s very exciting for everyone to bring a puppy at home, but it also comes with different challenges. One of these challenges is the potty training of the puppy. Sometimes puppies learn it very quickly, but sometimes you need to wait until the puppy picks the things. You just need to be patient, stay calm, and be consistent. It’s a simple task when you stay positive and follow the proper guidelines. The potty training of a Puppy can be divided into three parts.
Part#1: Learning the Basics
Introducing the puppy with a family
First, introduce the puppy to the new home and all the family members. Just like humans, puppies are also bursting with curiosity, excitement, fear, or joy. Early age is the perfect time to build a pleasant relationship with the dog. Make sure to establish the expectations of your puppy and be consistent with them.
Only show them those places where you want to allow them initially. For example, if you don’t want your puppy to visit your bedrooms and upstairs areas, don’t allow them to explore there.
Understand your puppy behavior
Each dog breed has a particular behavior and needs; you need to research your dog traits and be aware of them. For example, tiny breeds usually have a small bladder, and they need to urinate more frequently. Sometimes accidents will happen irrespective of the training. However, some breeds are also very intelligent and think like humans.
But make sure to understand the language and behavior of your dog.
Keep an eye on your puppy
It’s important to keep your puppy in front of your eyes when you are looking to potty train your dog. It’s good to notice the early signs of the puppy to prevent accidents. Some famous signs of many dog breeds include circling, scratching, and sniffing. Whenever you notice any of these signs, lead your dog outside.
Interrupt accidents
Whenever you see your dog is urinating or defecating indoors, make a noise such as a clap or say the word “no” and quickly lead it outside. Try to get their immediate attention, but not to scare your dog. Make sure to be consistent with using the same words and noise each time. Sometimes you can’t get the same results each time; make sure to be patient.
Don’t punish your dog as your dog doesn’t know that it is doing something wrong. Punishment can make the matter worse and can confuse your dog.
Choose a potty zone
It’s always good to choose a specific area for potty and take your dog there every time it needs to go. Try to pick the spot where the other dogs are not visited. Puppies can remember their urine smell and associate an area with their bathroom. Pick an area that is easy to visit as you frequently visit it during the early training process.
It’s good to keep your dog on a leash when you take them outside.
Choose a specific sound or word command
When you are ready to take your dog outside, use the command “go” or any other command. After some time, your dog will start to recognize the command, and understand when you are ready to take it outside. It’s helped your dog to learn things quickly.
Praise Success
Make sure to praise every little success of your dog and use cheerful and happy voices to lets the dog know it has pleased you. This will give an emotional incentive to your dog to their business in the correct place.
Make the potty time a relaxing and rewarding event for your dog
Encourage your dog to hold until you allow it to go. Try to enjoy every day when you go for a walk, and don’t interrupt your dog when it’s doing its business. Allow them to loosen up, relax, and relieve themselves.
A small treat can also be helpful for your dog to encourage them.
Clean up the accidents right away
Try to clean up the area
quickly and thoroughly in case of an accident. It’s discouraged the dog from
going again to the same place. You can also use enzymatic cleaners to get rid
of the odor. Moreover, the smell of ammonia in urine attracts the dogs. White
vinegar is also very helpful in handling the smell of ammonia.
Part#2: Keep your dog close
Limit the dog’s area
Try to limit your dog to a specific area of your home and keep an eye on him. You can use the baby gate and close the doors to limit your dog’s movement. It’s also helpful for you to continuously monitor your dog if it needs to go outside.
But make sure the area should be large enough for your puppy to play.
Pick the area, which is easy to clean the accidents, especially during the early age of your dog.
Keep your puppy on a short leash
Try to keep your dog on a leash, even while indoors, as it helps you to move your dog from room to room. It’s also very helpful in the outdoors to control the dog.
Use crate when you can’t watch your dog
Try to use the crate when you
can’t watch your dog, as it’s helpful to potty train the dog. Your puppy will
learn to see the crate as its home. But the crate should be large enough that
your dog can easily stand up, lie down, and turn around in the crate. Try to
limit your dog time in the crate as many trainers recommended four hours at one
time.
Part#3: Establishing a Routine
Be consistent
Consistency is the key point to potty train the dogs. Try to use the same door whenever you take your dog outside. Take your dog to the same spot and use the same commands to help your dog pick things quickly. Every morning takes your dog outside and after every meal. Let your dog play and drink the water after napping. During the young age of your puppy, you can also take your dog outside every 20 minutes; it’s helpful to prevent accidents.
Learn how often your dog needs to go
Learn about how your puppy needs to urinate. It’s helpful for you to learn their routine and predict when your dog to go outside.
Schedule trips outside around mealtimes
Try to follow the regular
feeding and potty schedule. Usually, puppies need frequent outside visits after
eating. So taking your puppy outside after every meal will be helpful to
minimize accidents.
