7 Essential Tips on House Training a Puppy
There are probably very few things that compare to the joy of bringing home a new puppy.
But you should also understand that among the most important parts of dog ownership and care is the ability to house train your puppy.
Fortunately, house training your puppy need not be the worrisome task that most new owners have.
With a few key tips to remember, house training your puppy can be just part of the fun.
Tip #1 - Be consistent.
Stick to one chosen method until it works.
There are a few ways to house train a puppy but consistency is the key.
The first thing you should do is to put your puppy on a schedule.
For example, if you want your puppy to relieve outdoor, reward him consistently until this becomes a habit for the puppy.
Tip #2 - Establish a routine.
Puppies learn faster when they are on a schedule.
Not only does this make them happy knowing what will happen at roughly the same time, but it makes them happy seeing you happy too.
Before you establish a routine, you should understand your puppy's physical nature.
For example, if a puppy is about two months old, he should be able to hold his bladder about two hours.
As the puppy ages, this period becomes longer.
So a routine with regular meal and potty time will set rough intervals your puppy needs to go out.
Tip #3 - Supervise the puppy.
Without proper supervision, your puppy is likely to do his business wherever and whenever he wants.
You should keep a watchful eye on him as he explores his new surroundings, and when you catch him going through the motions of doing his business, sniffing or walking in circles, quickly take him outside (or onto the training pad if you are training indoor).
Tip #4 - Take him out regularly.
When you are able to determine when he is usually ready to go outside, start a schedule of taking him out at that time.
"Potty time" every one or two hours is common.
This will develop the habit of him doing his business outside.
Tip #5 - Don't linger outside for too long.
Puppy should know what is expected of him when taken outside, so you should not allow him too much time to lollygag around on his own.
Once outside, take puppy to his "spot," then give him a command such as "go potty" which he will eventually come to understand as the signal to do his thing.
After he has done it, praise him and take him back inside the house.
If puppy doesn't have to go, bring him back straightaway.
Tip #6 - Don't feed your puppy before bedtime.
You should feed your puppy at predetermined times, then take him outside shortly thereafter.
But never feed him within two hours of his bedtime and also take up the water dish.
This prevents accidents during the night.
Tip #7 - Confine or crate train your puppy for when you are gone.
In most cases, dogs will not soil their own bedding.
This is something they learn from their mothers.
For this reason, it is important that you crate or confine your dog while you are away.
Chances are good that he will not do his business near his bed.
Remember to line the crate with soft blanket for puppy's comfort.
Of all the training you give to your puppy, house training is perhaps one of the most important.
It will contribute to both you and your dog being happier and healthier at the same time.
But you should also understand that among the most important parts of dog ownership and care is the ability to house train your puppy.
Fortunately, house training your puppy need not be the worrisome task that most new owners have.
With a few key tips to remember, house training your puppy can be just part of the fun.
Tip #1 - Be consistent.
Stick to one chosen method until it works.
There are a few ways to house train a puppy but consistency is the key.
The first thing you should do is to put your puppy on a schedule.
For example, if you want your puppy to relieve outdoor, reward him consistently until this becomes a habit for the puppy.
Tip #2 - Establish a routine.
Puppies learn faster when they are on a schedule.
Not only does this make them happy knowing what will happen at roughly the same time, but it makes them happy seeing you happy too.
Before you establish a routine, you should understand your puppy's physical nature.
For example, if a puppy is about two months old, he should be able to hold his bladder about two hours.
As the puppy ages, this period becomes longer.
So a routine with regular meal and potty time will set rough intervals your puppy needs to go out.
Tip #3 - Supervise the puppy.
Without proper supervision, your puppy is likely to do his business wherever and whenever he wants.
You should keep a watchful eye on him as he explores his new surroundings, and when you catch him going through the motions of doing his business, sniffing or walking in circles, quickly take him outside (or onto the training pad if you are training indoor).
Tip #4 - Take him out regularly.
When you are able to determine when he is usually ready to go outside, start a schedule of taking him out at that time.
"Potty time" every one or two hours is common.
This will develop the habit of him doing his business outside.
Tip #5 - Don't linger outside for too long.
Puppy should know what is expected of him when taken outside, so you should not allow him too much time to lollygag around on his own.
Once outside, take puppy to his "spot," then give him a command such as "go potty" which he will eventually come to understand as the signal to do his thing.
After he has done it, praise him and take him back inside the house.
If puppy doesn't have to go, bring him back straightaway.
Tip #6 - Don't feed your puppy before bedtime.
You should feed your puppy at predetermined times, then take him outside shortly thereafter.
But never feed him within two hours of his bedtime and also take up the water dish.
This prevents accidents during the night.
Tip #7 - Confine or crate train your puppy for when you are gone.
In most cases, dogs will not soil their own bedding.
This is something they learn from their mothers.
For this reason, it is important that you crate or confine your dog while you are away.
Chances are good that he will not do his business near his bed.
Remember to line the crate with soft blanket for puppy's comfort.
Of all the training you give to your puppy, house training is perhaps one of the most important.
It will contribute to both you and your dog being happier and healthier at the same time.
