How To Toilet Train A Puppy

Toilet Training A Puppy: This is not quite as simple as toilet training a baby. It would be a lot easier, if like a baby, there was a nappy to collect and dispose of. Instead you have a young dog that does not see any problem with wanting to toilet when and where he needs too. With a puppy it happens very quickly and once the urge to toilet is there, it will carry on regardless of where it is situated, and that could be inside your home.

Do not expect your puppy to stand by the outside door when it wants to use the toilet. You have to begin house training early in its life for it to learn your rules. One thing I have found is that puppies tend to choose a similar type of surface they were used too, while they were with their mother.

Encouraging your dog to use newspaper or other materials, like wee pads, while inside your home, is ideal when you have a small home or apartment with no backyard or garden. After a while the dog will get the message that using the newspaper or wee pad to relieve him self is what you want. Another method is to train them to use a large litter tray filled with an absorbent material. By sticking to a proper routine, in just six months or less, your puppy will reward you by letting you know when he wants to do his toilet outside.

As a general rule puppies need to be taken outside:

1 After either feeding or drinking.

2 Immediately after a sleep.

3 After playing indoors.

4 Taken him outside regularly (every hour) if he is not doing any of the above activities.

5 After excessive excitement: visitors, other animals etc.

6 When you see signs of sniffing at the floor and walking around in circles.

In the first few weeks you need to keep a constant vigil with your puppy, if you are to get him used to being house trained. Do not be put of by the weather, even if it is snowing, raining or even blowing a gale, he must be taken outside. Besides the fresh air will probably do you both good.

Nighttime should not be a problem if you are organized. You can, for example, have your puppy in a cage at the side of your bed, which is ideal, so you can hear him whine, if he needs to relieve himself. You must be constantly alert to his needs until he gets old enough to last through the night.

Try and guide your puppy as to where you want him to relieve him self. Eventually he will get the message and, as he gets older, he will automatically use this spot every time. Always clean up after your young dog, there is nothing more off putting to anyone visiting (never mind the health risks) than piles of dog excrement spread across your backyard.

One problem, which you might suffer from, is lack of sleep. This could make you irritable and the puppy and your family will be the ones to suffer. So please remember, it is only for a short while and the end result will be worthwhile.

There are many ways to train your puppy, however it is all up to you. You have to be prepared and investigate thoroughly what it takes to look after your puppies' toilet training.

Without total commitment to your young dogs needs, you will have a problem on your hands that may take many extra weeks to solve.

Ian Nicholson lives in the UK and has kept dogs for over fifty years. He has worked in veterinary medicines, and animal nutrition. Now you have the offer of a free e-book "7 Proven steps To Better Older Dog Health" at http://www.choosebestdogbreed.com to help keep your older dog healthier.