Let’s Go Potty!
Welcoming a new pup into your home is a wonderful feeling. Housetraining your puppy is a key step in creating a strong bond with your puppy and having a harmonious living environment. Housetraining your new furry family member can be tedious. We are here to make that process run a little smoother. This blog will give you tips and techniques on successfully potty-training your puppy with ease.
Understanding the basics.
Housetraining, also known as potty training, is how you teach your puppy when and where to relieve themselves. Puppies have small bladders and very little control over their bowels, making accidents more frequent than you would like. It is important to note that accidents are a normal part of the learning process. Our approach aims to create a positive and stress-free experience for you and your puppy.
Establish a Routine
Having a consistent routine is the foundation of successful housetraining. Dogs thrive on routine, so setting up a regular schedule for bathroom breaks will make the process much smoother. Designate a specific area in your yard or home, and always take your puppy to that spot to do their business. This step will help them associate that area with going potty.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training technique that involves rewarding your puppy for good behaviour. When your puppy goes potty in the designated area, shower them in praise. You can also offer a treat as a reward system if you feel like spoiling them. This enthusiastic praise will encourage them to repeat that same behaviour.
Recognising & Responding to Cues
Puppies will often exhibit specific cues when they need to relieve themselves. Those cues can be restlessness, circling, sniffing, or whining. Recognising these types of signs is a crucial part of potty training. When your puppy starts to display any of these signs, take your puppy to the designated area you assigned for potty. Once there, be patient with your pup. It may take some time for them to do their business.
Did you know? Puppies have an impressive sense of smell that’s about 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans’. So when they’re sniffing around, they might be trying to tell you something important – like they need to go potty!
Nighttime Potty Training
Your puppy’s bladder is still developing, and this could lead to accidents during the night. To avoid late-night surprises, make sure to cut down on water and food before bedtime, and give them one last outdoor adventure before tucking them in.
Dealing with Accidents
Accidents are bound to happen during the house training process. When they occur, clean up the mess immediately. To clean up the mess, avoid using cleaners that have ammonia in them, as the smell might resemble urine, which may encourage your pup to repeat the accidents. If an accident happens, avoid punishment for the accident, which can create fear and slow down the learning process.
By following our techniques, you and your puppy are well on your way to successful housetraining. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are the keys to building a strong bond with your puppy and will create a happy, healthy living environment for the whole family.
