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(Last Updated On: )The most infuriating problem faced by dog owners is during their puppy years where they aren’t toilet trained, which often puts off potential dog owners. If you are one of the very lucky dog owners, some puppies instinctively go outside in the garden.
However, the majority will see that puppies can take months to learn where to do their business, which comes down to their personality. It is important that you do not make mistakes explained in these articles that bring on dog anxiety with going to the toilet, which of course makes things more difficult.
Puppies are just like any other animal when it comes to discovering how to go and use the toilet. They are no conscious when they have to actually use the toilet, which is such a trait shared with human babies where they go wherever.
However, unlike human babies, the majority of puppies will not use the toilet in their beds and this is where crate training is useful. Between 9 to 12 weeks, puppies will become aware that they need to go to the toilet, however, you should start training your puppy as soon as they enter your house.
Puppies will develop a certain preference for where they wish to use the toilet. Puppies that spent their early days stood on newspapers will prefer to use the toilet on that. So a great early training technique would be to find the surface they like and then gradually move that surface towards the garden.
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However, regardless of their preference, you can train your puppy to go where you wish but you can use his preference to aid your training.
It is important to specify a place for your puppy to use the toilet before you bring them home for the first time. Not everyone will have a garden, therefore people in flats may use puppy pads, which are specially designed to attract a puppy to go to the toilet.
It is critical that you keep to this decision because changing this during training can destroy all your previous work. Allow your puppy to get used to where they use the toilet by spreading newspaper or puppy pads in large volumes and as they progress, reduce these volumes.
This will save you time in the long run but more importantly, your puppy will be able to distinguish between toileting and the place you wish for him to do the business.
Puppies will need to use the toilet when they wake up, after they have eaten and when they are playing. A good sign that they need or about to use the toilet is when they are sniffing the ground and turning in circles.
This is your cue to direct the dog to where you want him to go straight away. Routine is critical, as soon as you see the dog in the morning, take them outside and they will start to know this routine and be ready and hopefully plan.
When you are starting to have success and your dog is using the toilet where you want, treat him, and make a big fuss. You want them to know that this is the correct place for toileting and he will be treated with dog training treats and belly rubs for doing this.
Top Tips For Dog Toilet Training
Introduction to House Training.
When it comes down to training your dog, the earlier the better but 12 weeks is the recommended age. Make your training program contains a routine, which is vital to a dog toilet training otherwise they will do it as and when they please. Using a large crate/playpen when training is a great idea and keeps them confined to a small area. They will soon realize the difference between their bed and their toilet as I’m sure they will not enjoy sleeping in their own waste.
Use a Crate.
A dog crate for large breeds or older dogs or a puppy crate will confine the puppy into a small area, but you must ensure that this area is large enough to turn around in. It is critical that they can’t use the toilet then sleep in their bed far away from it inside the crate. As this is where they will spend a lot of time, you should ensure that it is a nice place to be in and they are comfortable. It is vital it isn’t a prison and they have their own personal space that has toys and blankets.
Keep to a Routine.
Set up a schedule for eating, playing, and sleeping as this will make toilet training a lot easier. Puppies are a lot like children, they get along best with a set routine. A good routine would be taking your puppy outside first thing in the morning and then every two or three hours throughout the day. If you leave the house, take them outside straight away as opposed to sitting straight back down.
Watch Your Puppies Movements.
If you see your dog moving around, which involves sniffing and going in circles, pick him up and take them outside before they do the business. After taking them where they need to go and watching them use the toilet, shower them in praise and they will eventually figure out this is the place to use the toilet. Don’t let your dog roam the house as this is a big mistake and you may have a nice hidden surprise when you find the waste.
Don’t Get Frustrated and Take Your Time.
Clearing up dog waste is not fun times and can become frustrating when your training doesn’t seem to be working. It takes time but it will eventually click in their head. Stick to the steps discussed, keep a routine, and don’t get too angry.
Mistakes When Toilet Training Your Dog
Be sure not to make any of the following toilet training mistakes. A consistent training routine is an effective one.
Punishing your puppy.
Do not hit your puppy for a toilet accident, this will cause anxiety and depression for the dog. Not only this, but your previous training will also all go to waste.
Poor and Irregular Diet.
A poor diet and irregular feeding pattern can make it difficult to keep to a routine.
Don’t wait for your puppy to give you the signs that they need to go.
You will be more successful by catching it before it happens by taking them outside regularly. Be sure to reward immediately after they have used the toilet,
Excitement can lead to your puppy losing control of their bladder.
If your dog gets excited when they see you after a few hours, hide your excitement until they have used the toilet and then reward them with masses of excitement for the correct use of the toilet.
Keep to the same “toilet” word.
Keeping to one word follows a routine and the dog will know what this means from training later on in life.
Don’t give up, don’t get angry, and keep on trying new techniques. Your puppy will eventually be toilet trained and you will both be happy!
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)
