Just bought a new puppy? If you don’t want him relieving himself all over the house it’s time to start his training!
It takes a bit of effort and patience but it’s worth doing properly. Here’s a guide on house training your puppy.
Steps
1. Before you bring your new pup home prepare for his arrival. Make a small enclosed area in a warm kitchen or utility room for his bed where you can put newspaper down on the floor and get a baby gate to close off the space. The enclosed “den” will make your new puppy feel more comfortable and provide you with a safe place to put you dog if you are unable to keep a close watch on him for a moment, containing any accidents to the newspaper.
2. Choose a designated area for your puppy to relieve himself. This is where you will take your dog each time you bring him outside to go. Going to the same place each time will help him to get into the habit as he will be able to smell that he’s used that place before.
3. When you bring your puppy home, start his house-training immediately. After he has taken a brief sniff around his new home, give him a drink of water then take him outside straight away to the area you chose to relieve himself.
4. When your puppy has finished, praise him and take him inside. You must always go outside with your dog while house training him so as to reward and praise his good behaviour immediately.
5. Get into a schedule
Take your dog outside 15-20 mins after feeding, when he wakes in the morning and before he goes to bed at night
6. Keep a close eye on your pup in the first few weeks especially. If you can’t, put him in his enclosed den.
7. Do not punish your dog unnecessarily. If he has an accident indoors only scold him in a firm tone of voice saying “No” or similar if you catch him doing it; pick him up by the scruff of the neck (as his mother would do) to stop him urinating, then take him outside immediately to finish relieving himself. Any more than a second afterwards and you may confuse your dog. You should never hit your dog to punish him as it will not help and may make him scared of you. Remember to always praise your dog when he goes outside.
Tips
- Clean up spills thoroughly so you dog can’t smell the area where he has urinated before and go there again.
- Remember positive reinforcement and praise of good behaviour works better than punishment in house training your dog.
