The thought of having a brand-new puppy romping around your home is appealing. Whose heart doesn’t melt at the sight of a plump little ball of fur? Bringing that new addition home for the first time is exciting, but that is also when the work and commitment starts.
Puppy potty training is one of the first things you’ll do to help your dog get acquainted with his new home, and there are many ways to go about it. Try these suggestions to set you and your canine up for success.
Stick to a Potty Spot. Before you begin training your new pal, decide where you’d like him to “go” outside the house. Direct him to a location that’s quick to get to from the door. Apartment-dwelling dogs should also have a natural, easy-to-reach area that isn’t in the way of foot traffic or cars. Make sure you take him to the same area every time he goes outside to do his business. Dogs can smell their territory, so consistency is important when you’re house training a puppy.
Learn the Signs of Needing to Go. Your new puppy will try to tell you that he needs to eliminate. There are certain signs for which you can keep a lookout. Immediately bring your dog outside to his special potty spot when you see him pacing in circles, barking or scratching at the door, sniffing the floor, smelling his rear or squatting. He may show the last sign a bit too late, but be ready to open the door anyway so he will know that his usual area is up for grabs before he goes in the wrong place. Keep a leash right at the door, allowing you to usher him outside as quickly as possible. And once he learns where his special potty area is, he’ll return to it all on his own.
Praise Helps. Everyone likes to know when they’re doing a good job, and your puppy will thrive on this positive reinforcement. It doesn’t matter if you praise with treats or say “good job” while petting him. Just make sure he knows you appreciate his efforts to do things the right way.
Make Meal Time the Same Time. When house training a puppy, keep all meal and snack times scheduled. This is helpful for two reasons: It will teach your dog when he can expect to eat throughout the day, and, if you’re feeding your dog at specific times, you can bring him to his potty spot expecting he’ll be ready to go soon after he finishes eating.
The Water Bowl. If your dog is a heavy water-drinker, chances are he’ll be a frequent urinator as well. To rule out any accidents, take your puppy out shortly after drinking during the puppy potty training phase so he’s in the right place at the right time.
Calmly Address Accidents. Be calm and collected when addressing accidents. Redirect him outside into his designated potty spot right away, but understand that accidents are a natural part of the house training process. Have patience and don’t give up. Never punish a dog for accidents because it may make the situation worse and result in more accidents in the home.
The most important thing you can do is clean the area. If your dog smells urine or feces in your home, he’ll be confused and think it’s fine to relieve himself there in the future. As long as he knows where to mark his territory, he’ll have fewer problems. When cleaning the soiled spot, make sure to use pet-safe cleaners and keep him away from the area while it dries.
New People and Places. After getting a new pup, you will likely want to show him off to friends and family. The excitement of greeting any new stranger can sometimes be too much for your dog’s bladder to handle. Knowing this ahead of time can help you prepare to avoid accidents. Make sure you take him out before you introduce him to anyone new during the potty training phase; this includes both in your own home or a new place. Reference www.hillspet.com.
Stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society and see what pets are up for adoption. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., closing for lunch 12-12:30.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
