House-training
- Routine is the best way for puppies to learn, choose one site and one site only! When selecting where you will be taking your puppy to eliminate, make sure it is easily accessible in the event that you may need to run your puppy outside. Try to decide where this spot may be prior to bringing home your puppy so the location is set in place. Puppies need to go out every 30 to 60 minutes in the beginning. Having an easy route to the site makes it easier for both owner and puppy.
- Watch your puppy at all times when it is indoors and out of the crate. Try to be one step ahead to prevent any accidents. Setting a timer to remind you to take them out regularly may help to keep everyone on a schedule. At first when your puppy is young they will need to go out approximately every 30 minutes. As they get older and grow, this time will increase.
- When taking your puppy outside, this is strictly business. You want your puppy to learn to go right away, especially if you have potty breaks in the middle of the night or in bad weather. Take your puppy to their designated spot and give them the command you want them to understand (ex. Go pee/poo, hurry, do your business). Now let your puppy go and do their business. Puppies have short attention spans so if you are talking and playing with them they will forget what it is they are supposed to be doing. Once they do their business, immediately verbally praise your puppy! Treats are a great positive reinforcement as well. As your puppy starts to be more consistent with their house training you can slowly start to eliminate the treats.
- If your puppy is interacting with you in a playful manner when expected to do their business, ignore the behaviour and give them a couple of minutes to see if they need to eliminate. If they do, phrase them! If not take them back inside. If they had been in their crate place them right back into it. Keep an eye on your puppy for any signals that may indicate they need to go out.
