Understanding Your Dog’s Instincts: Dogs naturally avoid soiling their living space. Use this instinct to your advantage when potty training. Understand your dog’s signals to recognize when they need to go outside.
Setting Up a Potty Training Schedule:
- Frequent Breaks: Take your puppy outside every 1-2 hours, especially after meals and naps.
- Routine: Establish a consistent feeding schedule to predict when your dog needs to eliminate.
- Nighttime: Limit water intake before bedtime to reduce nighttime accidents.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques:
- Immediate Praise: Immediately praise and reward your dog after they eliminate outside.
- Accidents: If accidents happen indoors, clean the area thoroughly to remove scent markers.
- No Punishment: Never punish your dog for accidents. Instead, focus on preventing them.
Dealing with Accidents:
- Neutral Reaction: If you catch your dog in the act, calmly take them outside to finish and then praise.
- Cleaning: Use enzymatic cleaners to remove the scent of accidents and prevent repeat incidents.
- Consultation: If potty training challenges persist, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical issues.