Puppy Potty Training Tips

This apparently is the number one cause for puppies being taken to abandoned dog charities. It is often frustrating and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. Studies have shown that the best way to toilet train is to use a cage. Often a breeder will {use a cagehave used one}, and will often sell on the crate, as the puppy is used to it. The crate method is based on the principle that puppies do not like to mess their beds and in a cage would have no choice but to sleep in the mess. This method also has the advantage of encouraging the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 9 weeks or so should last around 8 hours. During housebreaking, put the pup inside the crate whenever he cannot be watched, whilst you are say bathing the children. Just before to placing him into the crate or taking him out of the cage, take him outside so he can do his business. There should never be any food or water in the crate, just a blanket and perhaps a chew toy to occupy his time. As time goes by and the puppy performs better, you can leave the puppy for longer periods out of the cage.
The cage needs to be right size, enough floor space for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The crate is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing cages as he grows, buy one large enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move when needed.
The two alternatives to crate toilet training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. This involves being with the puppy all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as clawing the floor. Then taking him directly to his potty area, then bring him straight back, remembering to give him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The pup needs to appreciate why he was taken outside was for the potty, nothing else, do not confuse him.

The other alternative to potty training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging them to use these areas, for practical reasons placed in the utility room or bathroom. The papers have chemicals to attract them. When you see them with their pre- potty pattern, pick them up calmly and take them to the pad. Praise them if they do the business. The problem with this method, is you have to do a second training to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Toilet timing, normally, pups need to go out, soon after waking and around 40 mins after having been fed.
Occasionally pups will spontaneously urinate when excited or scared, sometimes known as submissive urination. Do not punish them for this. If the puppy is liable to this, go for a walk, before any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, take them for a walk, just before, or when you arrive. The puppy will normally grow out it after about 6 months.
To reinforce the potty training, as in dog training, you need to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everybody in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the potty. Use another word such as “play” if its for more of an enjoyable activity, though he may go to the toilet when he is there.
Potty: Go to the toilet.
Good Dog: For any praise to give him.
No: When the puppy is doing something wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
Two rules:
1. Always praise success.
2. Never punish the puppy, if you do not see him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.

If you see him in the act of urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.