Potty training your dog or pup can be extremely stressful if you have trouble with persistence or are unsure how to properly go through the training process. This article aims to provide you with a few helpful tips to ease the stress of dog potty training.
Puppies are a lot like children in that their minds are like sponges, which is why most people begin obedience and potty training when during puppyhood. The main thing which you must understand before beginning the training process is that a puppy does have limited control of his bladder, so it is best if you admit to yourself that accidents will happen, and come to terms with the idea. A good thing you can do for your puppy is to buy him a crate or similar place that will be his own “personal” space. That way, if you’re unable to watch him for a time, the accident will be in the crate and not somewhere around the house where you may not notice for a while.
One of the best things you can do for your puppy (and your sanity!) is to develop a regular routine as soon as you can. Try to feed him, take him outside, and put him down for bed around the same time every day. This will get his “body clock” set to the routine and he will eventually learn to rely upon this, as long as you follow through on your part and keep the routine as constant as possible, at least until your pup gets a bit older and develops more bladder control and adaptability.
Hitting your puppy when he has an accident is not correcting the problem. This can, in fact, make your puppy develop a nervous tendency in which he loses control of his bladder any time he feels he has upset you. Try your very best to take him out about 15 – 20 minutes after meal time, as puppies have very small stomachs and will be ready for the potty soon after eating. Try to keep your eye on your pup, so that if he does have an accident, you can correct him during the act and he will quickly understand the link between the word “No!” and going potty inside.
Potty training your puppy can be a trying time, but a bit of patience and determination will see you through the process. Just remember: develop a routine and take your puppy outside about 15 minutes after meal time. Soon, you will find that training becomes even easier, at which point you’ll want to start training him not only for obedience, but also for using items such as pet stairs instead of jumping onto furniture. Pet steps are much better for your dog’s joints and reduces the likelihood of your dog developing arthritis or sustaining an injury from falling off of high furniture.
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