Potty Training Your Puppy: Dos and Don’ts
Puppies have an irresistible charm and are cute. Don’t let all the adorableness fool you, though. They still need lots of training. It takes some time for them to get used to using a potty, which is something many owners dread tackling. We’re here to help with a compiled list of dos and don’ts of potty training your puppy.
Do Gather Some Knowledge
If you have a puppy, you’ll need to gather information about its breed. Smaller dog breeds have shorter bladders and higher metabolisms. Therefore, they’ll feel the need to relieve themselves often. Some puppies are also stubborn and harder to potty train than others. Make sure to know about your puppy’s breed before you begin the process so that you can mentally prepare.
Remember that veterinarians recommend beginning the potty training when your puppy is between 12 to 16 weeks of age. At this time, your pup has enough control over their bowels and bladder and thus can hold it in for a few minutes.
Do Get Your Puppy on a Routine
To make potty training more manageable, you need to get your pup on a daily schedule. A daily routine includes feeding your puppy, keeping a regular bedtime, and walking. You should have a set time for all these activities.
Your pup will feel the need to relieve themselves after waking up from a nap and eating. A typical schedule includes taking your puppy outside first thing in the morning, then every 30 minutes to one hour after a meal during the day. Make sure to take your puppy to the same spot every time they want to use the potty since their scent will stimulate them to relieve themselves.
Do Give Rewards and Praises
Praise and reward your puppy after they relieve themselves in the designated area. Canines like to please their owners. Thus, praises and rewards will help instill the habit.
Do Use a Crate for Training
Animals don’t like to leave a mess in the spot they sleep, which is why restricting your puppy to a crate is helpful for potty training. They’ll consider it a place for sleeping at night or taking daytime naps and thus won’t relieve themselves there.
When using a crate, keep the following in mind:
- Make sure the crate is spacious enough for your puppy to stand and turn around.
- Let the puppy out in the morning, at midday, and evening.
- Provide fresh water to the puppy if you leave them for over two hours.
Also, keep the puppy’s crate pad clean so that they feel comfortable and relaxed.
Do Understand the Signs
A puppy will often bark, whine, sniff, scratch the door, and rotate whenever it wants to get outside to pee. Take your pup to the potty immediately to prevent accidents when you notice these signs.
The Don’ts
- Don’t yell or hit your pup if they accidentally pee out of their potty area.
- Don’t rub your pup’s nose in their poop.
- Don’t allow your pup to free range in your home. Restrict them to their crate.
Potty training requires lots of patience, but the good thing is that it’s rewarding. Follow the above list of dos and don’ts of potty training your puppy, and you’ll have an easier time with your pup.