by Geraldine Dimarco
Topping many peoples favorite things list are puppies. They are adorable and easy to love. When the first blush of this honeymoon stage mellows, you will need to gird yourself up for battle. It’s time for the very essential task of puppy potty training
If you’re a new dog owner, potty training will launch you into the unfamiliar and often rewarding terrain of canine training. You may not like parts of it, but generally it’s a pretty exciting journey. Read on to get great puppy training tips anyone can use.
Understand that the young puppy has limitations that are not his fault. One of them is the inability of controlling bodily wastes well for long periods of time. There will be a couple of nights wherein you will need to wake up twice to bring him out to his toilet spot. This may be a little irritating but do not rush the puppy to go when he is not ready yet. What is important is setting of good habits he will carry as he grows older.
Have a schedule for the pup’s feeding and drinking times each day. Keep this routine consistently so his body is trained to retain the particular time he needs to eliminate. You can take the dog out to do his toilet duties early in the morning and late at night. Take the puppy out to his designated spot and repeat a phrase you want him to associate with potty like go potty. Maybe it’s not that creative, but it gets the job done.
After he finishes eliminating on the right spot and with the right phrase, lavish him with praise. Let the puppy know how pleased you are and that he is the best dog in the whole world. Do the same thing again in an hour just in case another round is in order. Remember, right now the most important aspect of puppy potty training is the establishing of good habits.
Good. Now the puppy knows that going outside is what he needs to do when he wants to discharge. Now it is time to teach him how to ask permission to go out. You will need a rope, a bell and a bag of patience for this. Attach the bell at the end of the rope and hang it by the door. When you take him out for toilet activities, nudge the bell and say go potty out loud. Do this for around two weeks; at the end of this time, go to the door with him after meal times and say go potty and refrain from jingling the bell. If the puppy touches the bell praise him enthusiastically. If not, guide him to push the bell as you say go potty.
Repeat this pattern every potty break. The puppy will catch on soon enough and when he does, reward him with treats or praises for doing so. Soon, your pet will comprehend and touch the bell when he needs to go do his business outside.
That wasn’t too hard was it? When done correctly and consistently, these puppy training tips should have a well-mannered dog to show for itself. Now on to the next puppy adventure!
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on Saturday, July 25th, 2009 at 6:22 am and is filed under puppies.
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