House Breaking & Potty Training
Potty training the puppy is most likely one of the tasks that a new dog owner would prioritize the most. There are a few key things that you can do as the pet owner that will help prevent unwanted accidents and encourage your puppy to do their business in the desired location at appropriate times. The most important element of potty training starts with you.
1. Select a Location
2. Establish Boundaries
3. Remain consistent and positive at all times
Selecting a Location
You can not expect your puppy to know where to do their business if you yourself have not decided where you want them to go. Whether you are training your puppy to use the facilities outside, in a litter box, or even on puppy pads the concept is the same when selecting a location.
The ideal potty area is quiet, free from distractions, easy to access, and safe for you and your puppy. The less noise and excitement the more likely a puppy is to feel relaxed and relieve themself. Try to locate an area that will be easy for you and your puppy to access at all times. While during the day you want a secluded area, be sure to think about how you will take your puppy potty during the night… Is the place you chose safe with good lighting? Is the path there free of obstacles?
Puppies ingest toxins and parasites by absorbing them through their paws and by licking their paws after they walked on contaminated surfaces. To protect a puppy that is not fully vaccinated keep your puppy is your own backyard instead of going to the curb or dog park until they finished their course of booster shots at 16 weeks. You don’t want your sweet, healthy, little puppy to be stepping on the same grassy patch where every neighborhood stray has gone to the bathroom. Be mindful of harmful pesticides and fertilizers used in landscaping when you begin walking your puppy in public.
Establish Boundaries
Once you have decided on the best location for your puppy’s “potty area” communicate your decision with everyone who will be helping in the potty training process. Consistency is key when training a puppy and it is important that everyone in the family is on the same page… including your dog! It needs to be clear that the potty area is the ONLY location that is acceptable for the puppy to do their business. Put them in the place where you would like them to go and select a key phrase like, “Go Potty!” When they wander around try to redirect their attention to the spot you want them to go by saying, “Go Potty.” This is how you tell your puppy what you want. When they finish doing their business communicate that they did what you want. Say, “Yeah! Good puppy! Go Potty! Potty! Good Puppy!”
Be Proactive
Puppies are usually pretty small… In other words there is not much room between their nose and their tail. This means whatever goes in on the nose end doesn’t have far to travel before it is going to start coming out at the tail end. Puppies usually need to use the facilities about 10 minutes after they eat, drink, or wake up from a nap. If you are not sure… take them out anyway! The more time your puppy spends in their potty area the less opportunity they have to accidentally go on your carpet!
What if they have an accident?
When your pooch makes a mess inside their crate or somewhere in your house don’t blame them. Why? Because your puppy doesn’t know any better and you didn’t make sure they were in the right spot when they needed to go! Its ok, accidents happen! Say something to show your disapproval like, “Uh Oh! Not in the house!” or “Stop! We go potty outside!” Clean and disinfect the area so your puppy is not tempted to go in that spot again. Take note of when your puppy had their accident and next time make a bathroom break about 10 minutes before.
When your puppy finally goes in their potty area you need to make them want to do that again. Even if your puppy does not make the connection at first, they will over time! If your puppy is relieving themself in their potty area don’t interrupt with cheers and clapping or you will distract them. Wait until they are finished and immediately shower them with praise!
