Ok so, House Training a puppy seems like a daunting task. Yes, it can be frustrating and a little messy, but you don’t need to pull your hair out over it!
Mother Nature has already given you a huge helping hand! When puppies are born they eat and relieve themselves inside the den, but their mother always cleans them. There is never the scent of feces or urine where the puppies eat, sleep, and live.
When the puppies get older they follow their mother outside to relieve themselves on the very outskirts of their general living area. Right from the start puppies are conditioned to never eliminate in their dens or near the places where they eat and sleep. Eliminating outside is naturally programmed into your wee four-legged friend!
But that is not the only thing Mother Nature has done for you. Your puppy’s digestive tract is another bonus in House Training. Your puppy’s digestive tract is extremely quick and efficient, you can literally set your watch to it (ok maybe not quite but pretty close). Five to thirty minutes after your puppy eats he/she will want to defecate.
From the time you get your puppy until he/she is eight months old you should be feeding him/her three times a day.
Keeping a very consistent feeding schedule and taking your puppy outside immediately after eating (also after naps, long confinements, trips, or extended play sessions) creates a pattern that is easy for your puppy to follow and maintain.
When taking your puppy outside after a meal bring him/her to an area where there is dirt, grass, sand, rocks – some sort of natural surface that will stimulate the instinctual side of your pups brain.
Tip: Change up the surfaces you put your puppy on, to defecate. If you only put your puppy on grass, your puppy will be confused when there is no grass and not know what to do.
Just like us it is easier to “go” when you are relaxed and feel comfortable and safe. Especially in the early days of housebreaking make sure your little guy has a place to eliminate where he/she feels safe, a place that seems and smells familiar. If panicked, nervous, insecure, or unsure your pup will shut down and not be able to eliminate.
It is important to make sure you are not just rushing outside, letting your puppy go, and then rushing back inside. Spending time outside is a reward in itself for most dogs. If your puppy associates holding in his/her bodily functions with the reward of a game or a walk outside, it will be more motivation for him/her to practice self control.
Don’t forget to praise your puppy when he/she does his/her business. Treats can also be used as a way of rewarding a successful potty outing. Over time, reduce the treats and make sure you are giving your pup positive vibes keeping him/her on track.
Your energy is an important tool in the success of your puppies training. Puppies thrive on your good energy! If you are tense and in a hurry your puppy will feel it. Stay positive and light and your puppy will respond positively and quickly!
Note: puppies from a puppy mill have had all their natural instincts taken away. They have been forced to sit and lie in their own feces and urine, to eat and sleep where they defecate. You can housebreak a puppy mill dog but it is much more difficult and requires a lot of patience and love.
May the force be with you and your Puppy do his/her business outside!
Northern Bone Dog Walking
Big or Small – We Walk Them All!
