Puppy Potty Training Top Tips
Poor bladder control is the top reason for dogs being taken to abandoned dog charities. It is often difficult and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. Studies have shown that the best method is to use a cage. Normally a breeder will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the cage, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the premise that puppies do not like to soil their beds and in a cage would have no choice but to sleep in the mess. This method also has the advantage of encouraging the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 8 weeks or so should last around 8 hours. During toilet training, put the puppy inside the cage when he cannot be supervised, whilst you are say cleaning. Just before to putting him into the crate or taking him out of the cage, take him outside so he can go to the toilet. There should not be any water or food in the cage, just a blanket and maybe a chew toy to keep him occupied. As time goes by and the puppy performs better, you can leave him for longer periods out of the cage.
The cage needs to be right size, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The cage is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing crated as he grows, purchase one large enough for his mature size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, not many people have the time for this. This involves being with the puppy all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the floor. Then taking him straight out to do his business, then bring him straight back, having him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The pup needs to know the reason he went outside was for the potty, nothing else, do not baffle him.
The third alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these papers, for practical reasons placed in the utility room or bathroom. The papers have chemicals to draw the puppy. When you see them with their pre- potty pattern, pick them up quietly and carry them to the pad. Praise them if they do the business. The problem with this method, is you have to transition them to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Toilet timing, generally, puppies should to go out, soon after waking and around 40 mins after having been fed.
At times puppies will spontaneously urinate when scared or excited, sometimes known as submissive urination. Do not punish them for this. If they are liable to this, go for a walk, before any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, go for a walk, just prior to, or on arrival. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To reinforce the potty training, as in dog training, you need to use verbal clues. Great ones are simple and distinctive. Everybody in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the potty. Use another word such as “play” if its for more of a fun activity, though he may eliminate when he is there.
Potty: Do the business.
Good Dog: For praise – any.
No: When they are doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
There are probably two rules to follow:
1. Praise success always.
2. Never punish the puppy, if you do not catch him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.
If you catch him urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.
