Owning a new puppy requires time, patience, and dedication. Effective training is vital, and successful potty training is one of the most important things to achieve in the early stages of his or her life. Consider the following tips to aid you in the process.
Constructive training is very crucial. If it is not constructive, your puppy will become confused and, at worst, apathetic to your teaching. Positive reinforcement is thought to be a good way for a puppy to learn something. It includes verbal praise, some kind of physical recognition of the work accomplished, such as a scratch under the chin or a pat on the back, or a treat that your dog will understand a reward. Since dogs are highly motivated by any form of praise, it behooves you to work within this to develop a level of recognition and trust. Positive reinforcement never includes harming your dog in any way, whether verbal or physical. If it is confused, your pup could begin to misinterpret your actions, thereby never attaching fully to you.
If planning to potty train with food rewards, develop a specific pattern of treating. It is also helpful to use food rewards at a time when your puppy is a bit hungry, as he will want the treat more, and will seek to do the right thing in order to obtain his prize.
One of the first things to do when potty training is to give your puppy his own space, whether it is a crate or any other small place. Dogs naturally want a place where they can feel safe and comfortable. Place toys, a blanket, or anything else inside that provides him with a feeling of home and security. This will become his spot, one that he will want to keep clean at all times. Be sure he sleeps there in the evening to establish a routine. Each morning upon waking, bring him immediately outside. This is how the puppy will learn that it is necessary to go outside to the bathroom, not inside. Also, because you have made his special spot so wonderful, he will not want to soil it and will do his part to avoid an accident. Usually, when potty training begins, he should be taken out nearly every forty-five minutes, showing consistency and teaching him that he should only go to the bathroom during that time outside.
If your puppy does make a mistake inside the house, thoroughly clean the affected area to remove as much of the smell as possible. If there is not odor, your puppy will not seek it out as an acceptable spot to go to the bathroom and it will be easier for him to remember to go outside to the bathroom.
Patience is very important when you are potty training a puppy. There will be accidents; that cannot be avoided. Remember to remain positive and consistent. When finally accomplished, you will enjoy a long, accident-free life with your well training pup.
