Potty Puppy Training For All Puppies
We all expect excitement and adoration when we bring a new puppy home for everyone to dote over. Although, someone will probably be a little more nervous than excited – the puppy! This is ok though. Here are some steps to make this a little more pleasing for everyone involved.
Before you bring a pup into your house, there are a few things you’ll need to do before you start puppy training. You might want to consider the view from the pups’ eyes. That may sound a little odd at first although you’ll see what I mean in a minute.
Potted plants may be attractive to a pup. How about shifting it to a higher position? What about all the personal belongings you have under the coffee table or in baskets here and there? Don’t worry, this is all part of puppy training and you’re only moving them for a short time. Once your new puppy has learned her place in the family, you can put your things back where they go. Your life should never be dictated by your puppy. Although, by removing these curiosity objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy on the basic training she will need to learn.
It is imperative to understand that as much as you want your new puppy to be a part of your family; your puppy is still an animal. Puppy training is essential. She will take her cues from her environment. If she is allowed to have free reign of the home and access to everything, you are letting her think she is in charge. Pups have instincts. The main instinct of Pups is to live in a pack. Your new puppy will assume her new family is her pack. If she picks up the clues that she is her own boss and she can do what she wants, whenever she wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her pack. Everyone will find it easier, including the Puppy, if she learns when she enters the home that she is not the head of the family.
A common error people make is letting their puppy sleep in a utility room, or kitchen. Pups are from the wolf family, and really prefer to have a den all their own. Some people assume placing a Puppy in a potty/crate is cruel. On the contrary, if potty/crates are introduced properly, they will be much loved by the puppy. When planning for a new puppy, do not go out and buy the biggest potty/crate you can find for your puppy thinking she will grow into it. This is the worst mistake owner’s make. A potty/crate should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Puppies usually learn from their mothers to not soil in their bed area. If the potty/crate is too large, your puppy may designate a portion of her potty/crate for sleeping, and the other half for soiling. You should also never place your puppy’s food and water in her potty/crate.
At the time your puppy is first introduced to the potty/crate, do not simply put her inside and close the door. This will only disturb her. (You should place the potty/crate in a room in your home where the family gathers. You should not expect the puppy to walk through the entire house to the back guest bedroom to nap. While having the potty/crate in close proximity to the family, the puppy will feel as if she is still hanging out with her pack, even if she is inside her potty/crate sleeping.) You can place a towel in the bottom, and a chew toy inside if you want. Some puppies are very curious. They will simply walk inside. Others may be a little shy with the potty/crate. Give your puppy time to warm up to the potty/crate. When she does enter the potty/crate, praise her. Why not give her potty/crate a name. When she enters the potty/crate, you can repeat the potty/crates name, and give her a treat.
Once she is familiar with her potty/crate and has entered and exited it a few times, you can close the door. She may whine and paw at the door. She may even start yelping and barking. This is okay. Do not let her out. After about ten minutes, you can open the door and pick her up. Walk her directly to the area designated for pottying. Most puppies will simply squat and go where they please. Once you are outside, set her down. You would then encourage her to do her business. Choose a couple of words such as, “Go potty,” or “Do your job.” Although she hasn’t studied English, she will eventually understand. Although, after repeated attempts and with being given a puppy treat and praise, she will learn what those words mean. Most puppies will need to go out at least every hour during the first few days to familiarize them with their potty area. This is a chance for you to catch them doing their business where they need to. Lavish them with praise.
Over the first couple of nights you may even question why you brought the puppy home. The repeated yelping and whining coming from the potty/crate can seriously upset many adults who need their sleep. You should look at your new puppy as the baby in the family. Important - puppies less than four months of age may need to go out once during the night. After she has relieved herself, place her promptly back into the potty/crate.
Don’t ever, ever play with your puppy during the evening hours. This will only encourage. After a few days, your puppy will adjust to the night time patterns of her “pack” and everyone will get more rest. Most Pups are able to make it through the entire night without a potty break around 18 weeks.
There are those who think it is harsh to scold a puppy. These dog owners may be the same people who have a Puppy running wild in their home within a year. Pups which aren’t disciplined can wreck havoc on a home. Shredded couch, chewed up shoes, and garbage strewn all over the place are not uncommon in the se environs. If there are other pets in the home, you should also consider their feelings. They will most likely be intimidated by such a furry beast, and scuffles may occur.
Should your special pup begin chewing on items that should be untouchables, a firm “no” is usually enough. As with other forms of puppy training, this may take a few days for her to learn. This is why you were advised to move precious things away. If she were truly in a Puppy pack, her alpha would nip her soundly. In fact, most puppies seem to feel more secure when they know their place.
The most imperative thing you can do with your puppy besides introducing a potty/crate immediately, instilling a potty routine, and teaching her what “no” means, is to build the relationship with your new puppy. Get on the floor and play with her. The bond will grow between you and she will love you. This will make your
pup want to please you and be obedient as well. It will go a long way when you start teaching her other basic puppy training commands such as “sit” and “stay.”
This article has been supplied courtesy of Kitty Barker. Kitty often writes and works closely with Puppy And Dog Tips who can help with more information on Puppy Training. If the link is inactive, you can paste this one into your browser - http://puppy-and-dog-tips.com/ You can also look for Puppy Training information at Potty Puppy Training. If this previous link is not working you can paste this link into your browser, easy-puppy-training-tips.com
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