Puppy toilet training is one of the most essential and challenging tasks for pet owners. Whether you bring a new puppy to your home or want to refine the routine of the old dog, you need to learn the basics for successful training.
According to the research conducted, puppies pick up toilet training very quickly between 8 and 17 weeks. This period is when they are most receptive to this type of training. So, training your puppy for the toilet at an early age is crucial.
During training, it is important to be cautious and consider do's and don'ts. In this blog, we have compiled proven strategies to help you successfully toilet train your puppy.
Do’s For Toilet Training Puppies
1. Set a Routine
The first thing you should do for successful training of your dog is to have a consistent routine. You should feed them daily at the same time so that their bathroom needs are more predictable. Then, set bathroom breaks for them. Puppies usually need to go after every 1 to 2 hours. Moreover, you need to take them out frequently after meals, naps, playtime, and before bed. But when taking them out, always ensure their safety by using pet ID tags so that in case they wander off, these tags can bring them back to you.
Stick to this routine consistently, even on weekends. This is how your dog will learn when to go to the toilet.
2. Notice the Signs of Toilet
Recognizing the signs when your dog needs to go outside for toilet purposes is also a crucial part of their training. It may whine or seem anxious. Dogs also sniff or start scratching the floor when they need to go out. They may also head towards the door or paw it for a bathroom break. So, be conscious of all these signs.
3. Choose a Specific Spot
You must designate a specific area for your dog in the outside yard for toilet purposes. Take them to the same spot regularly to make sure they recognize it. By adapting to this behavior, they will naturally be inclined to that area.
4. Keep Them Free of distraction at Toilet Time
Another important thing to do when toilet training your dog is to keep them free of distractions during bathroom breaks. Always choose a quiet area with minimal distractions. Also, keeping it on a dog collar helps it stay focused on the task in the designated area.
5. Reinforce the Behavior with Awards
If your puppy relieves itself in the correct spot in a timely manner, consider rewarding it. You can use high-value treats or encouraging phrases for praise to achieve more positive outcomes every day. But be consistent with your behavior, i.e., only treat them when they perform successfully, not before or after that. This positive reinforcement will help them learn faster.
6. Be Patient
Always remember that toilet training a puppy takes time, and accidents are a normal part of the process. Keep in mind that every dog is different and learns at its own pace. Therefore, it is important to stay patient and stick to a consistent routine. However, if accidents happen frequently, consider adjusting their feeding schedule and bathroom breaks. These changes can significantly improve their progress.
Don’ts For Toilet Training A Puppy
1. Don’t Shout at It
If you start shouting at your dogs for any accident, it would be counterproductive for their training. It will create fear and anxiety in them, and they may start to cause more accidents because of fear. So, never raise your voice instead, treat them gently to foster a quick training.
2. Don’t Punish It for Accidents
Avoid punishing your puppy during training accidents, as it can disturb the bond between you both. They need guidance, not punishment. Such acts can create negative associations with their bathroom time, and training will become far more difficult for them.
3. Don’t Ignore Its Signs of Need
You can’t ignore their signs of need and then expect them to be perfect on your bathroom breaks. In fact, you need to pay close attention in the beginning to carefully watch their signs of need. You have to ensure that they get a lot of opportunities to relieve themselves outside.
4. Don’t Delay Its Toilet Intervals
Puppies have small bladders, and they can not tolerate any delay on bathroom breaks. So, you can not ignore them because of your busy schedule. Instead, stick to a consistent schedule and act promptly to take them outside when they need it. Delaying can cause confusion in them, and an unreliable routine can lead to accidents.
5. Don’t Give It Freedom Soon
In the initial stages of training, you should keep your puppies in confined environments to supervise them clearly. It would help them learn to hold and establish a straightforward routine. Once you observe consistent progress, you can allow them to move freely and have access to the whole house. This is how they can have a smooth transition in a new environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, puppy toilet training requires a lot of dedication and patience. You can not expect perfection overnight. By following all the above-mentioned do’s and don’ts, you can successfully teach your furry friend when and where to go to relieve themselves. With the right approach, they will learn things quickly, and you can enjoy stress-free training.