Toilet training your puppy is one of the necessary steps to take so you and your pet have a smooth life together.
But it can be a tedious process for new pet parents who have no idea where to begin or how to make the dog learn fast.
Here is everything you need to know about toilet training your puppy without frustration.
When Should You Begin Toilet Training A Puppy?
You can begin toilet training your puppy at around 4-6 months old. At that age, most puppies can control their bladder.
If your puppy is already past that age when you bring it home, chances are it already eliminates waste in its cage. This is nothing to worry about. With patience and encouragement, you can teach the dog to learn proper behavior.
Steps to Follow When Toilet Training a Puppy
Toilet training a puppy can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Have a Toilet Training Schedule
Setting up a toilet training schedule involves having a guided plan that details when you take the puppy out to eliminate waste.
Because of their bladder size, puppies cannot hold waste for as long as mature dogs would be able to. You should be willing to give the dog time to pick up good habits.
The duration a puppy can control its bladder mostly depends on its age. This means you can expect a 4-month-old pup to hold it for about 4 hours. This timing isn’t universal and can be different even for two dogs of the same age.
When creating a schedule, allow the puppy’s habits and your availability to guide you. Examples of a good time to include would be first thing in the morning. You can also take the puppy out after it’s spent some time in the crate or just woke up from a nap.
Step 2: Diet Control
Mind how much food you’re feeding your pup when toilet training it. Rather than stuff your dog with heavy meals, split the meals into parts. The food itself should be high-quality and suitable for the pet’s age.
When your dog keeps peeing on carpet, that may be a sign of overhydration. You can also inspect the pup’s stool to see if it’s too loose, bulky, or has a strong odor. These can be indicators of a bad diet, in which case, you should speak with your vet about making food changes.
You may be overfeeding your dog out of affection, but consider the risk of diarrhea and how this can make toilet training more challenging.
Step 3: Monitor
Monitoring your dog for signs is vital to achieving success with toilet training. Observe whether your dog is the kind that can hold waste for long or if it goes after playtime. Some pups can pause while playing to pee, while others always seem to wake from a nap with a full bladder.
Take note of these habits and supervise your puppy so you can match the training to its needs.
Step 4: Reward
Punishing your pup each time it ruins the carpet does no good for anyone. Praising it for good behavior, on the other hand, works. The best way to make your dog understand you’re proud of its action is by rewarding it with a treat. As little as clapping or cheering can do the trick too.
You might catch your dog trying to go in the wrong area. Rather than make a fuss, pick the pup up and take it to the appropriate location.
How Long Does Toilet Training Take?
This depends on the dog’s age and how responsive it is to your training methods. Some pups can pick up good habits after a few days, while others take months to adapt.
What Tools Should You Use Toilet Train Your Puppy?
Crates are one of the most familiar and efficient tools for toilet training your puppy. Dogs love dens, and crates mimic this natural habitat. Get the right size for the dog, so it doesn’t remain in the crate after eliminating waste.
Puppy pads are another option for dog parents who want their pups to go indoors.
Conclusion
Many new owners dread going through the toilet training phase with their pups. It doesn’t have to be a nightmare though. Have a plan, monitor its execution, and remember to be patient. You’ll see the results of your efforts in no time.
New Owner’s Guide To Toilet Training A Puppy is a feature post
