House Training Your New Puppy

[ladybug5]

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about how to house train a new dog or one recently adopted so thought I would put this on Wacco.

Potty Training

As with any dog training you want to set your dog up to succeed.
Here are some ideas to have a happier start with your new family member.

Keep him in a confined space- Make sure it is big enough for him to be comfortable but not too much bigger. Use gates or x-pens- so they can feel included in the family activity. To protect your floor, cover with a tarp… Tape it down with painters’ tape

If you want your dog to be in other parts of the house with you, put him on a leash to keep control at all times. Don’t give him the option of making a bad decision.

Feed him on a regular schedule- Depending on their age, puppies usually need to be fed three or four times a day. Feeding your puppy at the same time each day will make it more likely that he'll eliminate at consistent times as well, and that makes house training easier for both of you.

Take him on a leash outside to the spot you want him to go potty until he begins to go there by himself. Praise him when he goes to the bathroom outside.

Take him out to potty soon after eating, (5 to 20 minutes) and again every hour (from 1 to 2 months) and every 2 hours (3 to 4 months) Find your puppy’s rhythm and then have a potty schedule that fits that.

Never punish or reprimand your puppy for accidents- Don’t create a negative around this. Your dog is not having accidents because he is “bad” or mad at you. Never push his nose in the accident and tell him “bad dog. It doesn’t work and he will think you are a bit weird.

Clean the soiled area as soon as possible with a vinegar and baking soda mix or a commercial brand that has an enzyme that removes the odor.

Pick up the water dish 2 hours before bedtime. Any questions? Email me at [email protected], https://www.gooddays.biz