Important Tips for House Training Your Puppy
The experts who conduct puppy training classes will tell you that house training a pup is all about instilling good habits in them by being patient and consistent and using positive reinforcement. Although it typically takes a dog around 4 to 6 months to be properly house trained, some may even take up to a year. Their size and old habits influence the time it takes to adapt to the new environment. If you are wondering how potty training and crate training can be done, keep reading.
When to Begin House Training Your Puppy
Dog trainers in most puppy training classes and schools recommend training a pup when they are 12 to 16 weeks old. It is the perfect time for potty training as they can learn to hold their bladder and bowels. Also, encourage and reward them for good behaviour to help them learn things quickly.
House Training a Puppy
Be sure to follow these steps when you begin to train your pup:
- Confine your puppy to a defined space such as a crate, on a leash, or in a room.
- For potty training, take them out the first thing every morning, then once every hour. Take your pup outside when they wake up from a nap, as well as after meals. Remember to take them out at night, before they are left alone.
- Take your pup to the same spot for so they recognize the scent.
- When they are done, praise them and reward them with their favourite treat or take them for a walk as an encouragement.
Crate Training Your Puppy
Crate training is an effective way to keep an eye on your pup and teach them to hold their bladder until you let them outside. It helps to keep the following things in mind:
- When choosing a crate, be sure to select one in which your pup can stand and move around comfortably. However, remember not to buy a crate so big that they could use a corner as a bathroom.
- Be sure to leave enough water in the crate, preferably in a dispenser to avoid spills.
- Ensure that someone else gives them a break during the day if you cannot be home when house training your pup.
- Do not use a crate if your pup keeps eliminating in it as it could mean any of the following things:
- Bad habits from their previous home.
- They may not be getting enough time to eliminate outside.
- The size of the crate may be too large.
- They are too young to hold their bladder or control their bowels.
Do’s and Don’ts of Puppy Potty Training
- Never punish your pup for an accident because they may start fearing you or begin to eliminate in hidden locations.
- If you catch them eliminating inside the house or in the crate, let them know it is an undesirable habit by using specific gestures such as clapping loudly. Then take them outdoors.
- Never get angry with your pup if they eliminate inside your house. They are not capable of connecting your anger with their bad behaviour.
- Stay outdoors for a longer time, so they get used to the surroundings and have enough time to explore new areas.
Our Puppy Training Preschool Program Can Help You Train Your Pup
Alpha Paws is a prominent name as far as puppy trainingclasses are concerned. We have a puppy preschool program that is designed to help you have a happy, healthy, and long-lasting relationship with your pup.
To enroll your puppy with us, give us a call at 1-877-868-5248 (PAWS). You could also fill out our online form if you have any questions about dog training.
