Puppy Potty Training Tips
Poor bladder control is the top reason for dogs being taken to abandoned dog charities. It is often frustrating and often dog walkers are asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. Studies have shown that the best method is to use a crate. Normally a breeder 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 puppies do not like to mess their beds and in a crate would be forced to lie in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to manage their bladder. Young pups from 7 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During toilet training, put the pup inside the crate whenever he cannot be supervised, whilst you are say reading to the children. Just prior to putting him into the cage or taking him out of the crate, take him outside so he can do his business. There should not be any food or water in the cage, just a blanket and maybe a toy to keep him occupied. As time goes by and the puppy performs better, you can leave the puppy more and more out of the cage.
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 cage is useful for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing cages as he grows, buy one big enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. To do this, you need to be with pup all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the floor. Then taking him directly to his potty area, then return him straight back, having him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The puppy needs to understand the reason he went outside was for the potty, nothing else, do not baffle him.
The other alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these papers, often positioned in the utility room or bathroom. The papers have chemicals to attract the pup. When you catch with their pre-toilet pattern, pick them up calmly and take them to the pad. Praise them if they go to the toilet. The problem with this method, is you have to transition them to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Potty timing, generally, puppies need to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after feeding.
At times dogs will spontaneously urinate when scared or excited, also known as submissive urination. Do not punish the puppy for this. If the puppy is liable to this, take them for a walk, before any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, go for a walk, just prior to, or on arrival. The puppy will normally grow out it after 4-8 months.
To reinforce the toilet training, as in dog training, you should to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everyone in the family or in contact with the dog, such as 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 toilet. 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: Go to the toilet.
Good Dog: For any praise to give him.
No: When they are doing something wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
Two rules:
1. Praise success always.
2. Do not punish him, if you do not see him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are scolding him.
If you see the puppy in the act of urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.
