Puppy Potty Training Tips
16 Jun 2009
Puppyhood is the “formative” period for your dog. The things your puppy learns during this period will most likely stick with him the rest of his life. One of the most imperative things to get started is to train dogs to potty outside.
Developing a routine early on in your puppy’s life is a sure way to ease the strain that the potty training process can entail. Try starting out by getting your pup used to a particular life routine. This includes working up a schedule of sleeping, eating, and potty time. Make sure that you keep the schedule constant, such as feeding him at a certain time every day and taking him outside 15 minutes after.
A good way to save your sanity is to admit right off the bat that your puppy will have accidents, and the sooner you understand this, the easier your dog potty training will be. You can help ease accidents by storing some newspaper in a constant spot so that your pup can at least familiarize himself with an acceptable alternative when he is unable to go outside. This works particularly well if you don’t have a “doggy door” and your puppy relies on you to let him out.
The sooner you get to know your puppy’s “eat/potty” schedule, the easier potty-training will become. The most easy rule to go by is to remember that by the time you’ve fed or watered your pup, he will be ready to potty roughly 15 - 20 minutes later. If you can, try to have your puppy outside at this time so he will familiarize himself with the proper “potty surroundings”.
Be sure that you separate “potty time” from “play time.” Puppies love to explore–it’s natural and should be encouraged, but only when it’s the appropriate time. It can be extremely stressful to wait outside while your puppy plays, only to have an accident as soon as you bring him inside.
This period in your puppy’s life is a great one to start administering praise and discipline techniques. Many people prefer the terms “good boy/girl” and “no,” both of which can be still be used when your dog is an adult. Although puppies need a lot of firmness, repetition, and routine remember that your pup will soon grow up, so enjoy his puppyhood while you can!
Learn more tips like this at HelpYourPets.com - Puppy Steps and while you are training your puppy learn how to protect him from injury also.
