Looking After Pets

Toilet training your dog  properly is essential if you want it to be healthy and happy, as well as ensuring your sanity and clean surroundings during this very important task. Unwanted urination and defecation are the top reasons owners give their canines away or surrender them to a shelter, where they may not survive.

Your  puppies paper training should begin the minute you bring him home. Plan ahead and have plenty of newspaper and lots of patience. Knowing what to expect during this period will make this process easier.

If you are unable to supervise the pup around the clock, it will take at least six months to totally train your dog. Do not attempt to rush this process, or there will be more frustration than progress.

Keep in mind that pups under  six months simply have no bladder or bowel control and really have no idea they are suppose to use a certain area for the toilet. They wander around, letting it fall where it will. Do not scold or punish.

Indoor potty training begins with choosing a “den” for your pup. A small room free of debris or other items that could cause harm is best. Line the whole floor with newspaper. The youngster will most likely chew the paper as well as toilet on it!

You pup will get into the routine of going on the paper, and sometime down the line you will notice he has chosen a preferred spot to go on. This is good, because now the real paper training begins.

Slowly diminish the area of paper over time, beginning with those that are farthest away from his preferred spot. Gradually, the numbers of papers needed will be few. If the pup misses the papers, they have been taken away too soon.

Paper training a dog does take time and consistency, but the results are well worth the initial effort, because once taught properly, you will never have to teach it again. When your pup is eliminating himself reliably in the same spot, you may very slowly, inch by inch, move the papers to your preferred location.

This will ready your dog for total house training. The more time you can devote to this first step, the faster it will proceed, but again, do not try to rush this process or you will have to start all over.

Your pup can begin to spend more time away from his den with the rest of the family once his bladder and bowels show good control. Be sure to take him back to his toilet area frequently. Most pups require the toilet every 45 minutes, up waking, and after eating or drinking.

Allow the pup access to one room at a time, and only when you can supervise him. Return him to his den when necessary, and be sure to use lots of praise when he does his business in the correct spot! Following these tips will make your puppies paper training a total success.

copyright Danny Taylor

One of the first tasks most new dog owners focus on is dog toilet training. This process is not always easy and will usually result in a few accidents. With patience and knowledge, you can toilet train your dog quickly and easily with minimal setbacks. That does not mean the process is flawless. However, remember, your dog wants to please you and is doing his or her best to learn. In time, your canine companion will come to understand their new home and what is appropriate there.

Dog potty training problems can be difficult to handle in older dogs. Although it is not impossible to overcome, the ideal time to house train is when the dog is very young. This is when good habits can be formed. Older dog potty training may come with months or years of either no training or negative reinforcement. When working with an older canine, remember you will need even more patience and understanding to overcome the issue.

Dogs do not go in their beds or dens. It is a natural way of life for them. This instinct can be utilized when potty training a dog. Once you can establish your home as the dog’s “den,” house breaking will be a breeze. Prepare for accidents, but also be ready to praise success.

To start, find a place you want your dog to relieve itself. Most people pick a specific area in their yard. If you are using litter or paper training, then it may be a spot indoors. Take the dog to this area each time you suspect he or she has to go. Make a habit of going every so many minutes, even if the dog does not appear to need it. The younger the dog, the more frequent the visits should be.

Let your dog linger if needed. This can be especially important during less desirable weather, such as cold winter months. Some dogs will hurry back inside, anxious to get out of the cold. While you may agree, this can lead to an indoor accident if the dog comes back in too soon. This can be especially important when small dog potty training. A tiny dog has fewer defenses against cold. Consider purchasing a jacket or dog shoes for your small dog, if you deem such garments necessary. Most larger dogs have sufficient body fat and fur to stay warm for the few minutes they are outdoors during winter.

Just like children, dogs will figure out the house breaking process in their own time. Some pick it up very quickly while others have problems even after they seem to have grasped the concept. Remember a young dog will have a harder time waiting, with less bladder control than an older dog. Any dog under four months of age will need to be taken out during the night. Although it may be an inconvenience, make sure you get out of bed and allow your dog to do as he or she is supposed to. Successful potty training for dogs will require consistency, regardless of weather or time of day.

Be patient and accommodate your puppy as he or she grows, develops better muscle control and works through dog potty training. Do not scold your dog for waking you during the night to be taken out. Appreciate the fact that your pup understood and got your attention in order to avoid an accident. You and your dog can work together to keep your home clean and your dog relieved.

Copyright Danny Taylor