Maybe you are celebrating 2010 with a new addition to the family – a puppy! Finding an apartment community that allows pets was only half the battle. Now you have the challenge of housebreaking that little bundle of joy.
Paper training and housebreaking are two of the more popular training techniques. In paper training, the dog is trained to potty on several layers of newspapers inside the home – which is best suited for dogs that will always relieve themselves indoors, and it’s a great option for someone who is older or can’t move around easily. In housebreaking, the dog is trained to go potty outdoors.
Tips to potty train your puppy:
1. Take your puppy outside (or to his or her indoor potty place) as soon as you both wake up in the morning. This teaches the puppy to relieve him or herself first thing in the morning. Be sure to also take your puppy to potty after each meal and a long nap – a time that puppies will naturally have to go.
2. You know the expression you made your bed, now you have to sleep in it? Well, that saying can be applied to dogs too. They don’t want to mess in the same bed where they sleep. One good option for housebreaking – is to crate the puppy during the day. This method teaches the puppy to avoid relieving him/herself in a confined space, while also teaching the puppy bladder control.
3. Once your puppy gets it right, offer positive reinforcement through rewards or praise. This will let your dog know that you are pleased with him or her going to the bathroom in the correct place. Puppies react well to the fact that they pleased you! It’s important to note though, if your puppy has an accident, do not scold the dog. Simply walk away without making eye contact or giving them attention – which will let the dog know that you’re not happy.
4. Since puppies have such a small bladder and are just learning to control it, it is wise to limit water intake after 8 p.m. and make sure the puppy does its business before bedtime. This will empty the puppy’s bladder so that it won’t have to go during the night; therefore allowing you to sleep more!
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