Poor bladder control is the top reason for puppies being taken to dog rescue charities. It is often frustrating and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to give advice, so a key part of puppy care. Studies have shown that the best way to toilet train is to use a cage. Often a breeder will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the cage, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the principle that puppies do not like to soil their beds and in a cage would have no choice but to lie in the mess. Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to manage their bladder. Young pups from 8 weeks or so should last around 8 hours. During toilet training, put the puppy inside the cage when he cannot be watched, whilst you are say bathing the children. Just before to placing him into the crate or taking him out of the cage, take him outside so he can go to the toilet. There should not be any food or water in the cage, just a blanket and maybe 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 be right size, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The crate is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing crated as he grows, buy one big enough for his mature size, with a partition that you can move as he grows.
The two alternatives to cage potty training a puppy are constant supervision, not many people have the time for this. To do this, you need to be with pup all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the carpet. Then taking him without delay 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 realise why he was taken outside was for the toilet, nothing else, do not baffle him.
The third alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these papers, for practical reasons positioned in the utility room or bathroom. The papers have chemicals to attract the puppy. When you see them with their pre-toilet pattern, pick them up calmly and carry them to the pad. Praise them if they go to the toilet. The main disadvantage with this method, is you have to do a second training to doing this outside, by moving the pads closer to the door.
Potty timing, generally, puppies should to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after feeding.
Occasionally puppies will spontaneously urinate when excited or scared, also known as submissive urination. Do not punish the puppy for this. If the puppy is liable to this, go for a walk, prior to any excitement, like friends coming. Or if visiting, go for a walk, just before, or on arrival. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To strengthen the potty training, as in dog training, you need to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everyone 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 toilet. Use another word such as “play” if its for more of an enjoyable activity, though he may eliminate when he is there.
Potty: Do the business.
Good Dog: For praise – any.
No: When the puppy is doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
There are probably two rules to follow:
1. Always praise success.
2. Never punish the puppy, if you do not catch him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.
If you see him in the act of urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.
Subscribe To Blog RSS