This apparently is the number one cause for puppies being taken to dog shelter charities. It is often frustrating and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. The general consensus as to the best way to toilet train is to use a cage. Normally a breeder will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the crate, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the premise that puppies do not like to soil their beds and in a crate would be forced to sleep in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 9 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During housebreaking, leave the pup inside the crate when he cannot be supervised, whilst you are say cooking. Just prior to placing pup into the cage or taking him out of the cage, take him outside so he can do his business. There should never be any water or food in the crate, just a blanket and perhaps a toy to keep him occupied. As your confidence with your puppy increases, you can leave him for longer periods out of the crate.
The crate needs to have the right dimensions, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The cage is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing cages as he grows, buy one large enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move when needed.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. To do this, you need to be with pup constantly, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as sniffing the carpet. Then taking him straight out to his potty area, then return him straight back, remembering to give him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The pup needs to know why he was taken outside was for the potty, nothing else, do not baffle him.
The other alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these areas, often placed in the utility room or bathroom. The pads have chemicals to attract them. When you observe with their pre- potty behavior, pick them up calmly and take them to the pad. Praise them if they go to the toilet. The main disadvantage with this method, is you have to transition them to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Potty timing, generally, pups need to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after having been fed.
Occasionally dogs will spontaneously urinate when scared or excited, sometimes known as submissive urination. Do not discipline the puppy for this. If they are liable to this, take them for a walk, before any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, go for a walk, just prior to, or on arrival. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To support the toilet training, as in dog training, you should to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everybody in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the potty. Use a different word such as “play” if its for more of a fun activity, though he may go to the toilet when he is there.
Potty: Go to the toilet.
Good Dog: For praise – any.
No: When they are doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
There are probably two rules to follow:
1. Always praise success.
2. Do not punish him, if you do not see him in the act of doing something wrong. The puppy will have no idea why you are punishing him.
If you catch him urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.
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