When bringing home a new puppy, there is an adjustment period for both the owner and the dog. The owner should consider taking a week off work to be with the new puppy, this will help provide consistency in the training process. It is up to you as the owner, to guide the pup in learning how to live in its new environment. This first thing is to learn how to potty train a puppy to urinate and defecate outside the house. Accidents will happen, so you need to be ready for this.
The first thing to learn in potty training a new puppy is to learn the signs that the pup needs to go. Signs to watch for are sniffing the floor or returning to a spot it has previously used, leaving the room during play may indicate the dog needs to poop, circling, squatting, whining or whimpering, and restlessness. When these signs are present, take the pup outside.
When training, always take them to the same spot, this teaches them that this is a proper place to do their business. Giving treats, teaches the pup that this behavior is good.
Puppies often urinate once an hour, as they grow older, they can hold the bladder for longer periods. When training first begins, take a new pup out to pee after he eats or wakes up from a nap. Try to be consistent and stay on schedule with feeding, going to bed and waking up while training, take the dog out once each hour.
When outside, let the puppy sniff around, do not distract him by talking or playing with him, if he pees or poops, praise him, tell him how good he is and rub his head. This lets the pup know that you are pleased with his performance. If he does not potty within three or four minutes, take him back inside and try again in ten to fifteen minutes.
Getting angry or yelling scares and confuses a pup, be patient and use one to two-word commands to help the pup understand what you expect from him. Do not punish a puppy for soiling the carpet. Sternly say no and take the pup outside if caught in the act.
Clean soiled spots thoroughly with specialized cleaners found at pet stores. Ordinary cleaners leave a scent behind. If the pup smells a previously soiled spot, instinct tells them that this spot is okay to use.
If you are unable to take the dog outdoors frequently, there will need to be a designated place inside for him to use. Training pads are good for this, as they can be used anywhere in the house without a huge mess. These training pads absorb the urine into the padding and do not soak through to the floor. When soiled, pick them up and throw them away. If training a dog to go outside, use this method close to the door leading outside. Once the dog is used to using the pad, it gradually move the pad to the outside and then remove the pad completely.
It usually takes about two to three weeks to complete potty training with a new pup. A lot of this depends on how the new owner handles the training. Persistence is the way to accomplish any goal.
