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Archive for November 24th, 2008

If you want to be successful in potty training your puppy, then you have to choose a tried and tested method. But not only that, you have to ensure you are committed – it’s the key to successful potty training. Keep in mind that it might take a few months before your dog is fully potty trained if you do not spend enough time training him in the beginning.

How to Start Potty Training Your Pup

Potty training a puppy is to a large extent reliant on a good daily routine. Like babies, a pup has to poo every hour, and pee every 15 to 20 minutes in the beginning. So it’s important that you learn when to take him to his potty spot (oh, you have to decide on one before you bring him home.

Usually you should take him to the toilet straight after a meal, when he wakes up after a nap, after extended periods of play and excitement, and before you take him to bed. Over and above that check with him every 15 to 20 minutes. Also, beware of the tell tale signs of him needing to go: restlessness, digging, going around in circles or sniffing. Once you see these signs, take him to his potty spot. He will get used to the idea that that is his designated potty area.

Unfortunately at least in the beginning you need to keep a constant eye on your puppy – or it will go anywhere. If you feel you have no time to spend with your puppy now, maybe look for an already potty trained pup, or postpone getting a puppy until you can get some solid time together.

How to Deal With Potty Accidents

Number one rule: do not hit or yell at your dog when he’s not gone to the potty spot you assigned him. Remember – he’s not doing this to spite you – he’s simply following nature. In these early days, if your pup relives himself in the wrong place it is more your fault than his – he’s just a puppy that’s learning…

If you catch him in the ‘act’ pick him up calmly and take him to his potty spot. Wait for him to finish there and tell him he’s a good boy. If his potty spot is just too far to take him to while urinating, then just leave him to finish (he’ll make less mess that way), then be more vigilant next time and take him to his potty more often.

Your puppy wants to please you – so be patient and he’ll soon learn where to go by himself with very little if any accidents.

Things You Need to Remember Before You Start Puppy Potty Training

As a last note, I would like to give you some pointers that will make potty training your puppy much easier:

• Dogs hate soiling their territory. It’s important to clean his potty spot often or he might just decide to go somewhere cleaner.

• Give him treats or praise whenever he poops on his designated area. Actions which are rewarded tend to be repeated.

• Follow a schedule. Feed your dog at the same time every day. This would make potty training easier and more convenient for you.

• Believe it or not what goes in will come out. So feeding your dog solid food will make his doos more solid and hence easier for you to clean up.

• Dogs need to go to the potty a few minutes after they wake up. So try to wake up at the same time your dog to minimize accidents.

• If do not have an open area to train, you can lay down papers on an area where your dog can relieve himself.

From then onwards, all you need to do is to make sure that your dog relieves himself in his designated area. You have to be consistent and patient, and soon your dog will know what to do, how and where to do it.