House training your puppy is one of first and most crucial steps in integrating your new furry friend into your family. This process, although sometimes challenging, is a great opportunity to establish a bond with your puppy, whilst simultaneously setting a reliable, healthy routine. The timing of this house training can be crucial as well – the sooner, the better. The preferable age for a puppy to start training is between twelve and sixteen weeks.
Being consistent and patient are the most important aspects of house-training your puppy. Puppies are naturally instinctive and quick learners but will require ample time and patience to successfully understand and respond to the rules of their new environment.
Step 1: Establish a Routine
Just like babies, puppies operate best on a routine. Generally, they have good control over their bladder one hour per month of their age. That means if your puppy is two months old, they can hold it for about two hours. Take your puppy outside frequently — at least every two hours — as well as immediately after they wake up, during and after playtime and after eating or drinking.
Step 2: Designate a Potty Spot Outside
Choose a specific area outside and always take your puppy, on a leash, directly to that spot. Use a specific command, like ‘go potty’, to help them associate the area with the action of elimination. When your puppy has successfully done their business, lavish them with praise and a treat to remember the behavior for the future.
Step 3: Use an Indoor Puppy Potty
There might be times when taking your puppy outside is not feasible, especially when they’re very young and haven’t been fully vaccinated. During these times, providing an indoor potty area can be a safe, convenient solution. You can use puppy pads or an indoor puppy potty which often includes grass pads, or litter box options for dogs. These are particularly helpful for apartment dwellers or during bouts of bad weather. The key is rewarding your puppy for using the indoor option just like you would for elimination outside.
Step 4: Discourage Inside Elimination
Remember, it is perfectly normal for puppies to have accidents in the house. The goal of training is to lessen these accidents over time. If you catch your puppy in the act of elimination, calmly say ‘no’ and take them to their designated outside, or indoor potty spot. Clean up accidents thoroughly, ensuring there is no smell left behind as the lingering odor could encourage a repeat performance.
Step 5: Be patient and Consistent
While it can be frustrating at times, house training a puppy requires consistency and loads of patience. It is totally normal for a new puppy to take several weeks to get the hang of it. Be patient with your puppy and celebrate their victories, no matter how small. Remember that the effort you put into this training now will result in a well-adjusted, happy adult dog in the future.
Conclusion
House training your puppy is an essential process, both for the well-being of your puppy and for maintaining a clean household. Remember, the keys to successful house training are routine, positivity, patience and consistency. By reinforcing good behaviors and gently correcting the wrong ones, you’ll be well on your way to a fully house-trained pup. Happy training!