p style=”text-align: center;”>Potty Training Tips for Puppies
Thinking of getting a new puppy for Christmas? Potty Training can be a little intimidating. Here are some very helpful tips for successfully potty training your new addition.
1. Puppies have very rapid metabolism, which means that they make urine quickly. Add that to the fact that they also have small bladders and voila – you have a tiny critter that constantly needs to urinate! So, begin by taking your puppy outside to potty every one to two hours. Take them out the same door every time; you can even take them to the same location every time you go out. Hanging a bell on the doorknob and ringing it each time you take your puppy out may provide some puppies with a way to let you know they need to go out. Some pups will rapidly learn to ring the bell when they must go.
2. Issue a command word or set of words in conjunction with the puppy's name so they will learn to associate those words with the action of urination and defecation. Commonly used phrases include "Go potty", "Do your business", "Tee tee", etc.
3. While you are walking your puppy, let them sniff around. Sniffing is an integral part of the elimination sequence in dogs.
4. If your puppy just charges straight ahead while sniffing, stop and walk quickly back and forth in a "z" pattern which normally precedes elimination in dogs.
5. Use a fixed length short lead (no flexi-leads while training) so you can quickly respond to your puppy's cues. Keep them close to you so you can promptly reward good behavior. A treat or lots of praise when your puppy urinates or defecates outside will encourage your puppy to WANT to go potty outside.
6. Eating stimulates the gastrointestinal tract to move within 15-45 minutes. So, take your puppy out 15-45 minutes after each time they eat, regardless of the frequency of other walks. (This includes meals AND treats.)
7. Watch for sudden behaviors like pacing, whining, sudden stopping of another behavior – these may tell you the dog needs to urinate or have a bowel movement. Quickly take them outside.
8. Watch your puppy closely between walks. Placing a bell on their collar will make it easier to monitor them. Each time you hear the bell stop, take the puppy out. Remember, pups that suddenly stop what they are doing, usually have to go potty (or they are in some other sort of trouble!).
9. Immediately take your puppy out after naps, play time or if it awakens at night. Be prepared for the first walk in the morning by being dressed, puppies that have waited all night cannot wait long!
10. If you have an older dog that is house-trained, take it out with you when you take the puppy out. Puppies will often learn quickly by observing your other dog.
11. Crate training can help with potty training – remember to have the crate sized properly. You want a crate that is just big enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lay down in. If the crate is too big inside, your pup can go potty in one end of the crate and lay in the other end unsoiled. Large crates often come with dividers that can be adjusted or removed as your puppy grows. Also keep in mind that tiny puppies can only be expected to hold it 3-4 hours at a time.
12. Taking up water and food 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to "bedtime" and walking your puppy immediately before bedtime, will help your puppy make it through the night a little quicker.
Stay Happy, Stay Healthy,
Dr. Daisy
