Learning Techniques For Puppy Potty Training

By Greg Stannionis

Puppy potty training may very well be one of the most difficult aspects of bringing home a new puppy. It requires vigilance and a dedication to constant supervision. It also requires a great deal of patience. No one enjoys the idea of a puppy going potty in the all the wrong places. We work hard to keep our homes clean and we do not enjoy those surprise methods.

While many of us realize that puppy potty training is going to take some work, after a week or two it is common to be a little over the novelty of it all. Losing your patience or becoming angry about it can lead to more problems than it solves. All you really need is consistent behaviors so that your new pup can learn some new behaviors of his own. No puppy understands immediately what the big deal is. It's your job to teach him.

It's best if you can keep your dog in the same room with you. If you have areas of your house that are not used frequently it becomes a tempting indoor toilet for your pup. Instead, rigging a puppy gate that keeps him from leaving your line of sight can make a huge difference when it comes to helping him become more successful.

This also allows you to keep a better eye on him. If you realize that accidents are actually your mistake rather than his in the beginning, you tend to have fewer accidents in the house. Set him up on a reasonable schedule. Take him out when he wakes from a nap, after a play period, five minutes after eating, and of course before bed. This way he can start learning when to expect your next trip outside. These are also natural times when a puppy is likely to go.

When your puppy is successful you will encourage new success by having an all out treat laden party ever single time. Make sure you fuss and give him treats when he does well so that he understands without a doubt that he has done the right thing. Avoid disciplinary behaviors like hitting or nose rubbing as this doesn't really do much other than make him afraid and confused. Snatch him up while he is the middle of an accident with a strong vocal correction and march him out to where it's appropriate to go.

Throw happy parties for success regularly, give him a concrete schedule, and make sure you know where he is and what kind of behavior he is exhibiting in order to develop a strong understanding of where it is acceptable to toilet. Just because he has had a successful week doesn't mean he is ready for the run of the house.

Health issues can play a huge role in his potential for success. Those months when sexual maturity is sneaking up on him can also cause backsliding. Once he is fixed he will likely return to his outdoor toileting behaviors.

Crate training can help a great deal with puppy potty training. He can learn to hold it better when it means he has to sleep with it while you're gone. Puppies do not like to have to live and eat where they take care of business, and thus crate training can be a wonderful tool in breaking the accident cycle. - 32366

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