6 Tips for Toilet Training Your Dog
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6 Tips for Toilet Training Your Dog |
One of the most difficult tasks that a household has when a new puppy arrives is housebreaking the dog. This implies the dog will excrete outside rather than using your house and furniture as toilets. Many people believe that training a dog to use the bathroom is a difficult process, but it does not have to be. If you equip yourself with lots of knowledge on the best methods to housetrain your dog, you will be well on your way to having a dog that goes to the potty where you want him to.
1. When Should You House Train?
A dog may be potty trained at any age, but the optimal time to start is between the ages of eight and twelve weeks. If you begin a housebreaking program as soon as you bring your puppy home, he will quickly learn where to relieve himself. A crate is an excellent tool for potty training a dog. It keeps him contained when there is no monitoring, and most dogs soon learn that if they create a mess in their cage, they must sit in it. Most dogs are quite clean and will not love sitting in dog doody or urine.
2. The Benefits of Using a Crate
Make sure your dog has enough room in the crate to turn around, but not so much that he can sit far away from it and urinate. Although many dog owners see crates as punishment or as a jail cell, your dog will value having a private space where he may spend some quiet time away from the family's activity. Instead of making your dog's box a place of punishment, make it a happy one. While your dog is in the crate, you may feed him or give him treats. He'll have a cozy hideout to go to whenever he needs to if you put his favorite chewy or toy in there with him. Your dog may stay out of trouble for reasons other than housebreaking if he stays in a kennel.
3. Keep your eyes open
Keeping a careful watch on your puppy is essential for effectively housetraining him. Whether you see him sniffing, circling, or starting to squat, quickly take him outside to the location you want him to go and observe whether he eliminates. If he does, overwhelm him with praise. It's a good idea to have a cue, such as "hurry up," so your puppy understands what you want him to do. When he goes to the restroom, repeat the cue and lavish him with praise for a job well done. It is preferable to take the dog out and have nothing happen than to risk an accident.
4. Keep a schedule
Walking, feeding, and providing water for your dog on a regular basis can make housebreaking much easier. Puppies and toddlers alike find comfort in regularity. To help the dog adjust to its new routine, try to take it outside at the same time every day. First thing in the morning, take the puppy out of the kennel, making sure his feet stay off the ground. Take him where you want him to go, signal to him when he's done, and offer him praise. Walk your puppy at least every two hours, particularly after playing and feeding. Soon, your puppy will be telling you when it's time for him to relieve himself outside.
5. Do not allow the puppy to run free
Allowing your puppy to run about the house is a definite way to have an accident. If you decide not to use a cage, or even if you do, limiting the dog to certain sections of the home might make housetraining simpler for everyone. It is tough to keep track of a puppy when he has free reign of the home, but if you confine him to the kitchen, he will still be able to participate in the activity and will be more monitored in the event of an accident.
6. Do not be disappointed
When you initially start housetraining your puppy, you may feel like he isn't getting it. On occasion, he may have an accident at home. There is no reason to feel discouraged. If you adhere to your pattern, keep a close watch on the dog, and take regular trips to his outside potty, your puppy will be housebroken in no time. Another nice option is to take him out via the same door each time so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. When this occurs, you may rejoice because your puppy is finally learning that going to the potty in the house is a no-no.
Summary:
Bringing a new puppy into the family is frequently a joyful occasion for both the children and their parents. A puppy is adorable and cuddly; they are energetic, tiny balls of fur. Raising a happy, healthy, and well-trained dog takes a lot of effort. Before you carry that squirming ball of fluff home, you should think about a few things.