House Training A Puppy: 6 Simple Tips To Potty Training A Puppy

House Training A Puppy: 6 Simple Tips To Potty Training A Puppy

by Christine Andrews

Most new dog owners don't look forward to the task of house training a puppy. It can be pretty confusing when you hear different advice from almost everyone you talk to.

Here are six simple tips on how to potty train a puppy that any dog owner can use to make it as easy as possible for both you and your dog.

Tip #1: Feed Your Puppy At The Same Times Each Day

A lot of dog owners prefer free feeding to set feeding times. Free feeding means leaving a bowl of food out all day so your dog can eat whenever he gets hungry. This can work well with older dogs, but when you're house training a new puppy or dog it's much better to feed him a specific times, following a set schedule.

Dogs are like us. After eating, they usually need to go potty. With a consistent meal schedule, you'll have a lot more control over when he needs to go potty. This means a lot fewer accidents for your new puppy.

Tip #2: Have a Consistent Potty Schedule

Following a feeding schedule will help you get started with this. You should take your new puppy out after every meal, and also a few more times each day. If possible, try to make these extra potty trips at the same time each day.

By following a potty break schedule, you'll remember to get your new puppy outside during the day. Puppies thrive on schedules because they give them a real sense of security. When they don't know what to expect from day to day, puppies become anxious. This anxiety can easily lead to digestive problems - and that makes the whole house training process much harder.

Tip #3: Choose A "Potty" Command And Use It Consistently

You'll want to choose a verbal command to use when you want your puppy to go potty. This should be something you're comfortable saying at any time - and in front of anyone. A few common ones are: "go potty" "tinkle" "potty" or "get busy."

Now that you've chosen a command, you should use it every time you want your dog to go potty. When he's learning the command, you should use it only when you are standing where you want him to go potty. Once your puppy is trained, you can open the door, say "go potty" or whatever command you use, and he'll run right over to his spot and go potty - all on his own.

Tip #4: When Your Dog Has An Accident, Don't Scold Or Yell At Him

Almost every puppy has an accident while house training - some more than others. When this happens, always remain calm. Don't scold him - and whatever you do, never rub his nose in it. This is not just outdated advice it's also completely ineffective.

As with all dog training, positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative. Making your puppy feel bad when he makes a mistake doesn't work. You want to teach him that good things happen when he goes potty in the right place. Which brings us to the next potty training tip

Tip #5: Always Reward Your Puppy When He Gets It Right

It's just as important to reward your puppy when he goes potty correctly as it is when he does a "sit" any other command.

Puppies respond well to a combination of sincere praise and a little reward. This can be a show of affection, a special treat, or a short play session. The most important thing isn't what reward you choose - the important thing is that he gets his reward immediately when he goes potty. This way he will connect going potty in the right place with getting praised and rewarded.

Start by praising him verbally while he's actually going potty. Say "good boy! Good potty!" in a friendly upbeat voice. Give him some lovin' or a treat that you've brought along. Or toss his favorite toy for a short game of fetch. If you're on a walk, you can bounce the ball and let him catch it "mid-bounce" as a reward.

Just remember, you must reward your puppy immediately. Getting praise and a treat will make your puppy happy. He'll quickly connect going potty on command with happiness and joy.

Tip #6: Crate Training Your Puppy Means Less Accidents

While proper crate training is beyond the scope of this article, here is why you should seriously consider it when house training a puppy

First of all, crate training lets you put your dog in his crate or kennel whenever you can't watch him yourself. Second, dogs are den animals and it's against their nature to soil their dens. This means your puppy will naturally wait to go potty after he's been let out of his crate.

Your job is to be sure you don't leave him in the crate for too long and to immediately take him out to go potty when you let him out. The best part is that he'll usually have to go -- and, with your help, he'll always be going when and where you want him to go!

Your new puppy is going to love you unconditionally. In return, you should do your best to train him properly so he's always a joy to be around. Potty training a puppy is a very important step in raising a dog that's happy, healthy, and easy to love. - 20511

To get more tips on potty training a puppy, (http://www.thesmartdogowner.com) crate training a puppy, and so much more, visit (http://www.thesmartdogowner.com) www.TheSmartDogOwner.com This comprehensive, easy-to-follow training program shows you just how easy it is to raise a dog that's happy, healthy, and a joy to be around!
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New Unique Article!

Title: House Training A Puppy: 6 Simple Tips To Potty Training A Puppy
Author: Christine Andrews
Email: cherinikkel@gmail.com
Keywords: training a puppy,training a dog,dog training,puppy training,new puppy,dogs,puppies,potty training dogs,potty training puppies,house training dogs,house training puppies,potty training a dog,potty training a puppy,puppy obedience training,dog obedience training
Word Count: 917
Category: dog training
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