Raising a puppy is full of surprises and challenges and toileting is no exception. In fact, housetraining is one of the main challenges of many puppy parents. The good news is that your puppy can easily learn where to go to do their business, especially if you know how to teach them properly.
Puppy toilet training is all about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. The goal is to instill good habits and build a loving bond with your pup..
It is recommended that you begin puppy toilet training when they are between 8 weeks and 16 weeks old starting off with the basics. At 12 weeks, they have enough control of their bladder and bowel movements to hold it. For a puppy that is older than 12 weeks, toilet training may take longer.
There is no defined timeframe when it comes to how long it takes to toilet train a puppy. It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully toilet trained. However, every puppy is different and many factors come into play. So some puppies may take less or more time.
To cut down on the time it takes to have your puppy fully toilry trained, use positive reinforcement methods and avoid punishing them for accidents.
As your puppy begins to associate outside with the right place to eliminate they will find ways to indicate that they need to go. Here are the most common signs showing your puppy needs to be let out:
Usually, the older the puppy is, the easier it is to identify these signs. Very small puppies may not be able to indicate promptly. If the dog parents fail to understand these signs or don’t act quickly, they might find life with their puppy frustrating. Don’t ever let this happen to you!
Pet Parent Tip: When you start toilet training, it’s better not to wait until you notice obvious signs your pup needs to eliminate. Take your pup out at regular intervals to avoid toileting accidents.
If you have already crate-trained your puppy, toilrt training will be very easy. It is far easier if your puppy respects what you say. Having a set method will help smooth the way through this initial stage.
Being consistent is one of the keys to puppy toilet training. When you start to toilet train your puppy, follow these steps:
It is best to pick a certain area outside and take your puppy there every time they need to go. The sooner you convey the idea that there is a designated toilet area and that some places are off-limits, the easier it would be to put this messy chapter behind you.
Puppies develop a preference for eliminating in the same spots. You should pick a spot that is nearby, not visited by other dogs and is easy to clean up.
Every time you take your puppy outside to their designated area, use a command. This will teach your puppy to go to that specific location. The puppy will begin to recognise the command and understand what you want it to do. Use this command only when you want them to go to avoid confusion.
Keep the puppy on a regular feeding schedule and be consistent with it. It is recommended that you break up the puppy feeding schedule into two or three small meals.
Always take away their food between meals. Another thing to keep in mind is that dog food should be of the highest quality.
Give regular or constant access to the toilet place to go. It will help build a strong toilet routine and reduce indoor accidents. Pick a toilet spot outside, and always take your puppy to that spot to do their business.
You have to make sure you are giving your puppy enough opportunity to do its thing. Give your puppy at least six bathroom breaks a day. Remember that all puppies are individuals and the timing will differ for each. You should expect to take the puppy out during these times:
Remember that puppies younger than 4 months will need a midnight toilet break, so set your alarm.
Recognise your puppy’s pre-bathroom behavior. Look out for signs that your puppy is uncomfortable. These signs could be whining, circling, sniffing, barking, or any sudden behavior change.
Toilet training requires positive reinforcement techniques. Do not punish them for their mistakes like accidents in the house. Your puppy needs to know when he does something good and reward them with praise and treats.
Stay with them outside, at least until they are completely toilet trained.
Experts recommend confining the puppy to a defined space or crate when you can’t watch them. Your puppy will learn to view the crate as its “home” and will be reluctant to soil its area. Never confine your puppy for longer than they can hold it.
If you work long hours toilet training can be a bigger hurdle. Your puppy’s toilet training progress will likely be slower when you aren’t able to build a routine. It’s best to hire a qualified dog sitter or dog walker. They can either stay with your puppy all day or drop in as a dog walker would for a midday walk.
So, trying to toilet train them may require quite a bit of effort. Patience is required as this may take much time. Following these steps can go a long way to help set you both up for toilet training success!
House soiling is among the top reasons why puppies lose their homes or end up in shelters. As a responsible dog parent, you must understand how to train your puppy effectively. While you’re toilet training, don’t worry if there are accidents. Keep in mind that even a house-trained puppy will have accidents.
Toilet training a puppy takes time and commitment, so don’t lose your patience. As long as you continue to take your pup out at the first sign they need to go and offer them rewards, they will eventually learn. You will have to reshape your puppy’s behavior with encouragement and reward.
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