One of the most important experiences that you will go through as a dog owner is when you facilitate potty training your puppy. Potty training your puppy can be confusing and frustrating in the beginning. First of all, inter species communication is not easy.
Dogs don’t communicate the same way humans do. Second, puppies still have a difficult time controlling their bladder so expect a few troubles along the way. Nonetheless, the best time to potty train your dog is when it is still a puppy. Patience and the right methods will get you through these difficulties.
Crate Training – Potty Training Your Puppy
Crate training is one of the best methods for potty training. This kind of training needs sensitivity and sound judgment from the owner. Abuse in crate training can have terrible effects. The crate training system was based on the belief that dogs are territorial with their abode (the crate) and do not like to mess in them. Keeping the puppy in the crate for a limited time will teach it to control its bladder.
You can start crate training a puppy when it is 8-9 weeks old. Keep the puppy in the crate right after eating or upon waking up. The crate should be large enough to fit the puppy, but not too large for it to create a corner for doing its business. Start keeping the puppy in the crate for 30 minutes. Do not leave the puppy any longer than that because it will eventually pee or defecate. If this happens, you’re going to set back the potty training for a few weeks. After the given time, take the puppy out to a spot where it can eliminate.
Newspapers and Treatment – Potty Training Your Puppy
The more traditional way of housebreaking a dog is through the use of newspapers and a solution that attracts the dog’s senses. There are also pre-treated sheets for this purpose. Lay out the newspapers or sheets as soon as the puppy has woken up or after meals. The puppy will be attracted to it and will eventually defecate or pee on the spot.
Positive Reinforcement – Potty Training Your Puppy
Whatever method you choose in potty training your puppy, you have to praise or reward your pet if it has done its business in the right spot. This will encourage the puppy to actuate the positive behavior more often. Eventually, it will be second nature to the puppy to excrete in the appropriate place.