If you are a new pet owner, you may be confused about the best way to house train your dog. Even for veteran pet owners, there may be techniques that you didn’t think of or ways to make the house training process easier. Read below to learn about the best way to housetrain your new puppy!
Routine, routine, routine
Most every living thing follows a routine; we wake up in the morning, go to sleep at night, get hungry at certain times of the day. As mammals, we are predisposed to prefer routines. Your new dog is the same way.
So, this means that you should feed the puppy, play with your puppy, and take your puppy outside at regular, consistent intervals. By adhering to a schedule, you’ll teach your dog that there is a time to eat, play, and potty.
For the most part, puppies can control their bladder one hour per every month of age. So, if your puppy is three months old, you’re going to want to take him outside every three hours.
See Spot Pee!
When you are outside, you want to pick a spot for your puppy to use the bathroom. ALWAYS go back to that spot. While he is going, say a phrase like “Go pee” or “Go potty” This will teach your dog to associate the phrase with the action.
Treats!
Reward your pup immediately after they use the bathroom. You’ll create a positive association between outside pottying and reward. DO NOT wait until you come back inside; that’ll give the pup the wrong idea and delay the house training progress.
Feed Me!
To make sure your dog sticks to a consistent elimination schedule, make sure that they are also fed on a consistent schedule. Most puppies need to be fed at least three or four times a day, and adhering to a consistent feeding schedule means that they will stick to a consistent potty schedule as well. Trust us, consistency makes housetraining a lot easier.
The Water Bowl
Pick up the water dish about two hours before bedtime. Doing so will make it less likely that your pup will need to pee during the night, ensuring a healthful and restful sleep for both of you.
Mistakes
Of course, mistakes will happen. Your dog may get excited or just not be able to hold it in. In that case, startle him with a noise or say “OUT!” and then take him to his spot outside. When you get there, praise him and give him a treat.
Don’t hit your dog; it won’t accomplish anything. Mother dogs never hit their puppies, so your pup won’t know how to handle physical violence.
It’s Not Hard
House training a puppy only takes a few weeks. As long as you are consistent and train your puppy the right way, he’ll be letting you know when he needs to go in no time!