HOUSE TRAINING PUPPIES

Housetraining is one of the very earliest lessons you need to teach your pup. Puppies are naturally clean by nature: they have an inbuilt need to keep their den clean, so this should not be partically difficult. In most cases the basics are usually mastered with in two weeks. Getting it right is important not only for the sake of your home, but also your puppy will be learning about you. If he learns that you are clear, consistent and easy to understand, it is a good basis for everything else he needs to know. However, if he learns that you are unpredictable, inconsistent and frightening, learning will be more difficult in the future.

Consistency is the key to Housetraining-your consistency, not the puppy's. Keep in mind that during the Housetraining period: if the puppy does not respond in the desired way to housetraining, ask yourself, "What am I doing wrong?" It is you who are trying to accomplish this feat not the pup!

A valuable learning tool for you is to understand that every time a pup empties itself-it passes pheromones that act like a little flag signals, to both itself and any other dog, to use this spot again. Thorough cleaning of any mishaps in the house is very important, as is leaving some droppings and smells in the spot selected for this purpose. Dogs and puppies are creatures of habit use this to your advantage and create a routine for your pup, and you will find that within a day or two you puppy will be starting to get the idea.

WHERE? Teaching your pup where you want it to go is well worth the effort. Not just anywhere except the house, but a designated area especially for the purpose. Keep in mind when choosing this area that it is much easier to clean up (and see) on concrete than it is on grass. Try to choose a place that is a bit secluded and out of the way.

WHEN? Your puppy will need to empty itself regularly. Take him out:

" On waking
" After playing
" After feeding and or drinking
" After any excitement
" When awake and has not been out for an hour or so
" When seemingly suddenly distracted, sniffing the ground, walking quickly in circles
" Last thing at night
" And many other times in between

HOW?

When it is time "to go" walk you pup to the back door, on lead and go to "The Spot". Go with him. Remain still and quiet so as not to distract your pup whilst he is sniffing and preparing to go. While he "empties" put a word to the action e.g. Go Now, Toilet, Hurry Up. The word itself should be socially acceptable and you should ALWAYS use it. In time your pup will put the two together, and you will only have to give your command to get results. When finished, praise and treat your pup, so as a good association is formed with going in the right place.

If however, there are no results within five minutes (time yourself) take the pup back inside and keep a very close eye on it. The pup will need to go soon and you will need to recognise the signs so that there are no mistakes. Every mistake teaches your puppy the wrong habit. Every time he gets it right, makes training easier and faster.

ACCIDENTS! Be prepared. They will happen. What to do when………………..

" You see your pup "in the act" DO NOT scream and yell and frighten the pup. However, you must INTERRUPT the puppy. Do this with a stern STOP, go to it and walk it to the door. DO NOT pick the puppy up and carry it-you want it to learn to walk to the back door when it needs to go outside. Take your puppy to "The Spot" and wait for action, then praise and reward as usual!"
" You need to clean up after the accident. DO NOT use ammonia based products, this only enhances the smell and it will become even more enticing to your puppy. DO clean thoroughly with an enzyme -based product. There are a variety of these available at pet stores. It is best to use especially prepared products but if you get caught you can use:
1 part White Vinegar to 3 parts water
A enzyme-based washing powder dissolved in warn water"

Accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some female pups do not have strong enough muscles to control themselves until they have practised using them for a while. Remember that they have just come from a litter where they went wherever and whenever the urge took them. Other pups may lose control due to submission or excitement. Do not take the occasions as housetraining lapses; rather be better prepared for the next time. Crate training speeds up housetraining enormously. (See notes under Crate Training)

Keep in mind when dealing with "incidents and accidents" that if you frighten your puppy with your response, it will learn to hide them from you e.g. under beds, behind things etc.) and the more frightened the pup becomes the harder the whole exercise becomes.

If training does not appear to be going according to plan, speak to us or perhaps have your pup checked by your Vet as it may have a physical problem.

Success depends on YOUR dedication and consistency!