Puppy Potty Training Tips
Getting a puppy is both a joy and a test of patience at the same time. There is no denying the changes the world has been experiencing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With more people staying at home due to restrictions and social calendars being wiped clean, it’s no surprise people are deciding to bring home a new furry companion. According to News in Health, interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood which is great news during unprecedented and stressful times.
One of the deciding factors people have when determining to get a puppy is the time they have to dedicate to training. Let’s face it, potty training is the least fun task when it comes to training your puppy. Accidents in the house can cause frustration and stress on the owner and the puppy. In fact, according to The American Kennel Club, house soiling is among the top reasons why dogs lose their homes or end up in shelters. Few people are willing to put up with a dog who destroys rugs and flooring, or who leaves a stinky mess that you have to clean after a hard day at work. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be difficult, with a few tips you can set your expectations for your new puppy and get off on the right tracks so you can enjoy your pooch for years to come! Here are some tips to consider from the experts at the American Kennel Club.
Crates Rank High as a Potty Training Tool
The principle behind using a crate for housetraining is that dogs are very clean creatures and don’t like a urine-soaked rug in their living spaces any more than you do. It’s important that the crate is the right size—just large enough for the dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around. If it is too large, the dog will feel that it’s OK to use one corner for elimination and then happily settle down away from the mess. Many crates come with partitions so you can adjust the size as your puppy grows.
When she feels an urge, the puppy will usually let you know by whining and scratching. That’s her signal that she has to go and wants out of her little den. Now! Don’t delay because if you let your pup lose control in her crate, she’ll get the idea that it’s OK to mess up her living space. Then she’ll think nothing of leaving little packages around where you live, too.
Create a Housetraining Schedule for Your Puppy
It is vital to housetraining success. Puppies have tiny bladders, and water runs right through them. The same is true for solid matter. You have to make sure you are giving your puppy ample opportunity to do the right thing.
A good guide is that dogs can control their bladders for the number of hours corresponding to their age in months up to about nine months to a year. (Remember, though, that 10 to 12 hours is a long time for anyone to hold it!) A 6-month-old pup can reasonably be expected to hold it for about 6 hours. Never forget that all puppies are individuals and the timing will differ for each.
Monitor daily events and your puppy’s habits when setting up a schedule. With very young puppies, you should expect to take the puppy out:
- First thing in the morning
- Last thing at night
- After playing indoors
- After spending time in a crate
- Upon waking up from a nap
- After chewing a toy or bone
- After eating
- After drinking
This could have you running for the piddle pad, backyard, or street a dozen times or more in a 24-hour period. If you work, make some kind of arrangement (bringing your pup to the office or hiring a dog walker) to keep that schedule. The quicker you convey the idea that there is an approved place to potty and that some places are off-limits, the quicker you’ll be able to put this messy chapter behind you.
Observation and Supervision
You have to watch your puppy carefully for individual signals and rhythms. Some puppies may be able to hold it longer than others. Some will have to go out every time they play or get excited. Some will stop in the middle of a play session, pee, and play on. As with human babies, canine potty habits are highly idiosyncratic.
Control the Diet
Puppies have immature digestive systems, so they can’t really handle a lot of food. That’s why it is recommended that you break up the puppy feeding schedule into three small meals. Another thing to keep in mind is the food itself, which should be the highest quality puppy food. Whatever you choose, make sure it agrees with your puppy.
You might want to check out one of the four distinct Purina® Pro Plan® nutritional platforms. They have different formulas for your pup’s particular needs and preferences. Real meat is the first ingredient and there are no added artificial colors or flavors.
Examining a dog’s stool is the best way for an owner to figure out whether it’s time for a change in diet. If your puppy is consistently producing stools that are bulky, loose, and stinky, it may be time to talk to your vet about switching to a new food. Overfeeding may also provoke a case of diarrhea, which will only make the task of housetraining that much more difficult.
Getting a puppy is one of the best decisions you can make for you and your family. Once you’ve mastered the potty training with these helpful tips from the American Kennel Club you are ready for the next steps! At Off Leash K9 Training, LLC, No two dogs are the same so neither should their training. Off Leash K9 Training offers a variety of training programs to fit your needs. Flexible payment options are available for most of our training programs.
An Off Leash K9 Training E-Collar is included with each package offered. Our training curriculum is centered around the use of these collars so that we may gain amazing obedience from your dog. The E-Collar is completely waterproof, has a range up to 1/2 mile and includes a two year warranty. To learn more about our programs and pricing, visit us online today or follow us on Facebook!
Sources:
How to Potty Train Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide for Success
