Love the puppy…..hate the house training!!!!
Puppies are adorable..we love them. They are cute and cuddly, but puppies also have to go to the bathroom!!! One of the most important aspects of puppy training is house training, so your puppy, (soon to be dog) learns not to soil in the house. Like any type of dog training…it is not difficult, but it does require patience and consistency.
Dogs are by nature pack animals and do not want to soil in the area where they sleep and live. This area should be identified as their den. The puppy, when being trained should learn where their den is located. Many people use an animal crate for this and establish the crate as the dog’s den. The dog will not want to soil their den and will learn to hold themselves until they are provided an opportunity to go. The training moment occurs when you let the dog out of the crate and get him to an area where he/she is allowed to relieve themselves. (outside)!!
Another important aspect of house training a dog is scheduling. That is why it is so important to have the time to stay on a consistent schedule with the dog including feeding times and potty times. Make sure you feed the dog the same amount each day and watch how long it takes until you feel the dog needs to potty. Then take the dog outside. When the dog goes, reinforce that behavior with much praise and a treat. After a while the dog will be able to “go” on command as you have trained them with goodie rewards for their excellent potty behavior.
I mentioned feeding up above in terms of timing, but if you give your pup unlimited access to food and water, they will eat and dring all day and want to eliminate all day as well. Puppies under 3-4 months of age should eat 3 times a day. Older dogs need only eat about 2x a day. Puppies between the ages of 6-14 weeks should be allowed unlimited access to water, but you should learn how long it takes for your dog to “have” to go after they drink a large amount and insure that you are around to make that happen…outside!!!!
It is important for your dog to be able to let you know when he/she has to go out. If you teach your dog to sit prior to taking him/her out to eliminate, they will eventually use that behavior as a signal to tell you they have to go. I have a friend who taught their dog to put her paw on the door when she has to go out.
Whatever works for you is the type of behavior that you should instill in your dog. Always give praise and treats never hurt. Before long, your dog will be happy to take their business outside, because they don’t want to disappoint the pack leader.
If you missed Survivor this week, check out the blog entry by fellow blogger, Lessa.
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