Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the house, and even bought him a new rubber chew toy. However, with all the joy your new pet brings, he also brings along with him his natural behaviors and instincts. It's now your job to begin training and molding him into the furry companion you've always wanted. It's not quite time for adventure or obedience school. It's time for potty training!
Just for starters, let's reiterate what pet experts back 100% of the time: never hit or abuse your puppy in any way. It will have a detrimental affect on his future behavior, his trust in you, and his ability to socialize with other dogs and humans.
With that said, you should not expect your new dog to be fully housetrained until he's about six months old, especially if you're not home to oversee his training every hour of every day.
There are a couple of different tried and true options to choose from when house training a puppy. One is commonly referred to as the "passive" option, or the newspaper option. The other option is considered the "active" approach, where you attempt to teach your new puppy when and where to control his bowel movements from the confines of a puppy crate.
The newspaper option is great for those with the necessary floor space, workers and/or apartment dwellers. Start out by designating a puppy room. If you don't have the space, and you still want to opt this route, create a room. Choose a small area (perhaps a tiled laundry room) and puppy proof it. In other words, don't allow the puppy access to any cleaners, wires or sharp objects. And, don't put your puppy into a closet or dark room. Be sure the room has windows (which you can crack open for air movement). Line the floor with newspaper. Put his bed, toys, food and water bowl in the room. At first, he'll go to the bathroom all over the place. Give the process plenty of time.
Optimistically, no matter where your puppy eliminates, it will be on the newspaper. Over time he'll slowly choose one spot (most likely based on scent). Then, gradually move the newspapers less and less on the floor until the spot where he usually eliminates is left covered. This process could take a few months. Move the paper inward only an inch or two every couple of days. If your puppy has an accident, remember, it's your fault. Most likely, you've moved the papers too quickly.
Crate training, as stated, is called the "active" approach because you really have to have an open schedule with plenty of patience and fortitude to make it work. Figure that you're going to have to take your dog out of the crate/cage about every forty-five to fifty minutes each hour of the day when you first begin.
If this is all viable, then make sure that you buy a puppy crate and not a dog cage that will be much to big. Buy a puppy cage for a puppy and later a dog cage when he becomes full-grown. Your dog should have enough space to be comfortable when sleeping, but not enough to have room to defecate in an extra corner.
Every forty-five minutes you should take your puppy outdoors on a leash to walk around and hopefully eliminate. He should do so within ten minutes. When he does go, praise the puppy by petting and saying, "Good boy" or "Good" plus his name. Once inside, allow the puppy to have supervised indoor playtime with a treat or two. If the puppy doesn't go to the bathroom outdoors, be sure to put him back in his cage and repeat the process a little later. If the puppy jitters around like he has to go to the bathroom, take him back outdoors. Expect accidents until he learns the procedure.
While both procedures take ample time and patience, they will work. The choice is yours. Give the puppy time to become familiar with his routine, you as his owner and his environment. The best thing to do is to richly award his successful attempts and never scold him for accidents.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at dog gifts and toys for dog lovers.
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
The pet food industry, a billion-dollar, unregulated operation, feeds on... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
Pet |