Getting your puppy housetrained is usually a high priority for new dog owners - few people want a puppy that pees and poops inside. However, this requires some training, and it's just a matter of getting started first and foremost. The puppy doesn't understand on its own which places are suitable for relieving itself and which are not. In this article we explain how you can get your puppy housetrained !
Remember that the puppy is a baby
A small puppy is not physically fully developed, which is important to remember when welcoming a new family member. Therefore, you cannot expect full bowel and bladder control from the start. It may also take some time before it feels natural for the puppy to relieve itself on a walk, after all, there are lots of new and exciting impressions that can overshadow the need to go to the bathroom. If the puppy waits until you get home to relieve itself, it does not mean that it is being naughty on purpose and there is no point in punishing it. We humans also usually prefer peaceful and quiet surroundings when we need to do our thing.
Understanding toilet needs
Since the puppy cannot tell you for himself or predict when he needs to go to the bathroom, it is important that you as the owner help. A rule of thumb is that the puppy often needs to go to the bathroom after eating or drinking. It is therefore a good idea to make it a regular routine with a walk right after a meal. In addition, a toilet trip is often needed after an active play session, which is related to how often a puppy urinates .
Necessary outdoor equipment (read: shoes , blanket , dog bag and leash ) should therefore always be ready within reach, so that you can be out the door quickly when the need arises. Make sure to reward and praise your puppy when he is good and does his thing outdoors.
Can I let my puppy out in the garden?
If you have a garden, it is an easy option to let your puppy out on the lawn. However, you should keep your puppy company and go outside, both to make him feel safe and for training purposes. In order for him to become a house dog, you need to be consistent with the rewards. If you want to know how far a puppy can go, you can explore our blog post " How far can a puppy go? Walking and training for the little one ".
How to deal with it doing its thing inside
Accidents can happen, and you should be prepared for your puppy to pee or poop inside. Then just start cleaning up, and there's no point in yelling at your puppy or giving him physical punishment. Most likely, your puppy won't understand what you mean, and you'll only risk losing his trust in you. If you catch him in the act, you can interrupt him and carry him outside without making a big deal out of it. Let your puppy finish his potty training outside, but remember that it may take some time if he's been interrupted.
Patience is the key
As with all puppy training, it is important to be patient and consistent. It takes time to get to know your puppy, so it is important to be observant and learn your puppy's movement patterns. Signs that he needs to pee are often that he sniffs the floor, circles or waits by the front door. It is better to take him out for a walk too much than too little - puppies pee often! Also, don't forget positive reinforcement and praise when he does the right thing.
