Having a new puppy at home means that you need to develop puppy house training rules so that the little pup won’t mess up your house. Every owner must go through house training with their new puppy. Some puppies learn the process very quickly, while some need more time to catch on. It can take a while to see a difference once you start your puppy training, so don’t get frustrated. Just keep being patient and supportive and your puppy will get there soon.
In the Puppy’s Mind
Understanding how your puppy thinks can make puppy house training much easier. You must realize that the meaning of being clean doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing to you and to your puppy. Puppies do not need the structure of a set place to relieve themselves outside, what they want is the freedom to go where and when they feel the need. Your puppy is only concerned with nature’s basic safety and health rule which is to stay away from his bed or food when going to the toilet. From your puppy’s point of view, a place away from his food and bed could be anywhere from behind the sofa up to the bedroom floor. These are perfectly acceptable places for him, but of course not for you – and what you have to do is teach him and guide him to a better spot – the one you have in mind for him!
Reading the Signs
A puppy doesn’t have a terribly reliable early warning system for the first several weeks, so make sure to sort this out as soon as you can for both your sake. As soon as you can, pick out a spot near the puppy’s bed, food or play area. You will find it rewarding to predict when it’s time to take your puppy to go out. Generally, puppies are required to go as soon as they wake up, after drinking or eating, when they are excited, after playing, or at least once every waking hour!
As you get to know your puppy, you will get to learn the various signs that he needs to go out to the bathroom. When a puppy is persistently sniffing, circling a single spot or has his tail held high, those are common signals. When see this you need to immediately bring him to where you prefer that he relieve himself to build the association. Taking these steps will ensure that puppy house training is successful.
Even dogs that have gone through dog training classes will occasionally have small accidents when they are very excited or when greeting friends and family members. This is a natural response called submissive urinations and should not be treated apart from the normal house training. And even with other accidents, you should never chastise your dog. Punishments will only confuse them and make them secretive about going to the toilet.
When accidents happen during periods of excitement, do not shout at your dog, instead work things out until he breaks this habit. Keep greetings low key and preferably do them while you’re both still outside. Greet your dog gently in order to build up its confidence. Don’t make a big deal out of an accident when it occurs. The next thing you know, your dog won’t be having these types of accidents and you will be celebrating for having finished puppy house training successfully.