Listen everybody’s gotta go… So let’s start off the right way. Setting your puppy up for success is solely dependent on you. So I’m asking for a commitment from you before we go any further 🙂 Did you know the average time it takes to potty train a puppy is about 4 to 6 months? Yep it’s true. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, some are quicker and some are slower. Also a lot depends on the size the dog is going to be. Smaller dogs tend to take longer on average than bigger dogs… so it really depends on the type of dog you have.
Also keep in mind along this potty training journey we are about to take there will be set backs along the way… that’s all part of it. The more you can anticipate your puppies body language the quicker & smoother this will be for everyone. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. NO YELLING, STICKING HIS/HER FACE IN POOP OR HITTING YOUR PUPPY EVER PLEASE! You will only make your puppy afraid of you & you will be a bully and a Jerk in my book. It is not necessary to be harsh & mean ever to get results, it doesn’t work anyway.
Now let’s get started!
Your puppy needs to be at least 12 weeks or 4 months old before you start to make sure they can process what you’re asking them to do successfully.
I always pick the place where you want the puppy to potty first. Usually I pick a patch of grass outside to begin. Make sure this spot is quiet and clean. Fresh, clean grass feels good to go potty in and you want to keep this experience as pleasurable as possible. Also when your puppy has gone potty clean the area to keep it fresh but with his/her scent there.
Now you’re ready to start to house train, follow these steps
Stimulate your puppy’s colon on purpose
Keeping the puppy on a regular feeding schedule will help you control when he needs to go potty. Just make sure you take away his food between meals. After he’s eaten IMMEDIATELY take them outside to their potty area. Let them sniff around a bit, then say POTTY… wait a few minutes before saying it again and when you see him/her squatting to go say good boy/girl and when they are done reward with one small treat. Do this everyday at every meal.
FIRST thing in the morning upon waking
When you see your puppy is awake take them out to eliminate first thing in the morning and then once every 30 minutes to an hour. Also, always take him outside after meals or when he wakes from a nap. Make sure he goes out last thing at night and before he’s left alone.
Marking His/Her territory
This is an territorial thing. All animals small or large love to take ownership of what’s theirs, to tell the world this is mine all other animals take note. Take your puppy to the same spot each time to do his/her business. Their scent will prompt him/her to go. This is one their first steps of ownership in the animal kingdom, this alone will help ignite their natural instincts to mark their territory & therefore set them up potty success.
Reinforce their FOCUS
 Stay with him outside, to keep him/her safe and focused.Puppies have a short attention span & between the urge to play and the distractions of the great outdoors one could forget what they were doing. You’re presence and focus will keep them on track for now, at least until he’s house trained.
Keep the POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT going
You are your puppies positive reinforcement cheerleader. For now hen your puppy eliminates outside you are going to celebrate it like it’s Christmas time!…. Yep I’m serious. PRAISE is the way to go to get the good vibrations going. When your puppy goes potty say YAYYYYY! Good boy/girl accompanied with clapping and give him/her a treat. Follow it up with a happy walk around the neighborhood as an additional reward.
If you would like a in-home pet session with more training please cal (310) 743-9643
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