Toilet training

Question
Hi there, my pet Shih Tzu recently gave birth to a baby pup. She's about 2 months old now. She is able to poo and pee naturally but at most times, either the mother or her ends up eating/cleaning the poo if we do not see it in time. What is the best way to start 'toilet training' for my new pup? How do we train her to only poo in a certain place and not just anywhere convenient?

Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Cheryl

Is the pup on solids yet?  If she is, neither should be eating the stool. Typically that is a sign of a vitamin deficiency.  Good quality food and some extra vitamins will stop that.

The best way to house train a pup is to use a crate.  Give her limited freedom in the house and no longer than 30 minutes at a time. And pick her up and take her to the spot where you want her to go.  For example, a daily routine would be:

6:00: Up and outside
6:15: Breakfast and play
6:45: Back outside
7:00: Inside and into her crate
9:00: Outside

This would continue throughout the day.  Clean dogs won't mess where they sleep.

Use lots of praise, hand clapping, cheering, even a cookie when she goes where you want.

Good luck