You just picked up your new puppy or adopted a new dog and now you’re fighting through the task of housebreaking. This issue tends to be the one that plagues owners the most.
“What is the most effective and least emotionally harmful way to help my new dog or puppy understand that I want them to potty outside?”
With a wealth of overwhelming information on the internet, it can be very difficult to narrow down a reliable and safe source, but don’t fret we’re here to help. Surprisingly enough, the easiest way to house break any dog is a solid and consistent routine.
The better developed the routine is, the quicker the dogs pick it up. Now, the timing on your potty training routine is going to vary depending upon the age of your dog, but the approach is still exactly the same.
We don’t need to subscribe to any of the old world methodology that tells you to rub your dog’s nose in their own mess. Accidents happen!
Wipe the mess away and follow these 6 instructions:
1. WHEN THEY RISE
Just like people, when dogs and puppies wake up, they’re going to need to relieve themselves. You know you’re quite capable of holding it, but perhaps your little buddy can’t. When you wake up in the morning, be sure to take Fido out first! Plop him/her in the grass and praise when they let it all out.
2. AFTER PLAY
Especially for younger dogs, when they’re bouncing around a lot it tends to stimulate their insides. This can lead to the desire to go! If the puppy has been playing with a friend or you, the best thing to do is take them outside right away.
3. EATING AND DRINKING
Every living thing that eats or drinks has to eliminate their waste. Around 10 minutes after a good guzzle of water and 20-30 minutes after munching on a meal is a pretty secure time frame to say it’s time to go outside.
Additional Tips for Trouble Shooting Puppy Potty Training
4. PICK A SPOT
Be sure to take your faithful friend to the same area to potty each and every time. Being able to smell the area that they have already eliminated in encourages them to repeat the process.
5. LEASH THEM UP
Being outside is very rewarding to a dog, so to ensure that they don’t just romp around and not use the restroom, take them out on a leash first. This is to ensure that you can restrict them to an area and not allow them too much freedom until they have done their business.
6. KEEP TO THE CRATE
Dogs are naturally den animals and are less likely to pee or poo in their personal space. In addition, if they happen to have an accident it isn’t all over your Persian rug or marble floors. A crate pan is much easier to clean up than an expensive shag carpet. Plus if you know your dog hasn’t gone to the bathroom entirely (done number one and number two) you’re able to restrict their access to the house, leave them with an engaging toy, and wait an extra couple minutes to try again.
If you’re having trouble with taking your pup out to tinkle in time, contact us! We’re here to help you with your dog training needs!
We train dogs and puppies of all ages, all breeds, and all behavior problems along with different classes and services that fit any budget to work on your generalization. Contact our certified, professional, award-winning team of dog trainers and behavior professionals located in Miami and Broward.
