Top Puppy Toilet Training Tips
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Poor bladder control is the number one cause for puppies being taken to dog rescue charities. It is often difficult and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to give advice, so a key part of puppy care. The general consensus as to the best method is to use a crate. Most breeders will {use a cratehave used one}, and will often sell on the cage, as the puppy is used to it. The crate method is based on the premise that dogs do not like to soil their beds and in a crate would have no choice but to lie in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young pups from 7 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During housebreaking, place the pup inside the crate whenever he cannot be watched, 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 do his business. There should not be any water or food in the crate, just a blanket and maybe a chew toy to keep him occupied. As your confidence with your puppy increases, you can leave him for longer periods out of the crate.
The crate needs to be right size, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The crate is useful for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing cages as he grows, purchase one large enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move when needed.
The two alternatives to cage potty training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. This involves being with the puppy constantly, 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 understand the reason he went outside was for the toilet, nothing else, do not baffle him.
The third alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging them to use these areas, often placed in the utility room or bathroom. The papers have chemicals to draw the puppy. When you observe with their pre-toilet behavior, pick them up calmly and carry them to the pad. Praise them if they go to the toilet. The main disadvantage with this method, is you have to do a second training to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Potty timing, normally, puppies need to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after having been fed.
At times puppies will spontaneously urinate when excited or scared, sometimes known as submissive urination. Do not discipline them for this. If they are liable to this, go for a walk, prior to any excitement, like friends coming. Or if visiting, go for a walk, just before, or when you arrive. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To reinforce the toilet training, as in dog training, you need to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everyone 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 a different word such as “play” if its for more of an enjoyable activity, though he may go to the toilet when he is there.
Potty: Do the business.
Good Dog: For any praise to give him.
No: When they are doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
Two rules:
1. Always praise success.
2. Do not punish the puppy, if you do not see him in the act of doing something wrong. The puppy will have no idea why you are scolding 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.
