November 26th, 2008
If you have ever brought a new puppy home from the shelter or a breeder, you realize how important it is to get that tiny ball of fur housebroken as quickly as possible. But potty training a puppy usually takes patience, consistency and – yes, time. The great news is that the more time you are willing to commit to the process at the beginning, the less time your pup may take to learn his lessons well. Keep that in mind before you bring your pup home, prepare well for the process, and you and your pup will be on the path to a long, happy life together.
The Advantages of Crate Training
Many pet owners have become quite partial to crate training as a means of potty training a puppy, and with good reason. A crate can perform a multitude of functions for your pup. For starters, it will offer a secure place for your pet to rest and sleep. Second, restricting your pup to his crate when you are out ensures that your home will still be in one piece when you get back. Finally, using a crate for potty training your puppy will teach your dog to hold his urge to eliminate until he is in the proper location to do so. Most dogs will not eliminate in their crate because they know not to go to the bathroom in the same space that they sleep in.
Before placing your pup in his crate for a period of time, you must make sure that he has time outside to potty. When you let your pup out of his crate, you should consistently take him outside straight away. A crate can be a excellent training tool when you are away from home, or if you are involved in an activity for a period of time that will keep you from watching your dog sufficiently.
Don’t forget that puppies should not be left in a crate all day, although they can sleep in one throughout the night. If you work all day, do your best to return home for lunch to give your puppy a break, or have a neighbor or friend come by your home to do so.
Paper Training
Paper training does not mean using a rolled newspaper to hit your puppy when he potties in the home. That is without doubt the most ineffective means of potty training a puppy that there is. Paper training actually refers to indoor puppy potty training, where you teach your pup to go to the bathroom on papers or training pads that you lay down on the floor for him. This type of potty training for puppies is usually best done when you can confine your pup to a single room in the home, such as the kitchen. Whenever you see your puppy begin to nose around the floor as if he is looking for a spot, take your pet to the paper potty. When he gets this process down, move the papers closer to the door. Eventually your pup will learn to go to the door when he needs to go to the bathroom.
Check out these aryicles for more practical help
puppy crate training
housebreaking puppies
Puppy litter training tips
Potty training a puppy may be challenging, but it is far from impossible. With a bit of patience and consistency, your puppy potty training will succeed much sooner than you might think possible.
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