Bringing a new puppy home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, particularly when it comes to toilet training. Puppies are not born knowing where to go to the toilet, so it’s up to you, as their caregiver, to teach them. Here are some tips to help you toilet train your new furry friend.
1 - Establish a Routine
One of the most important things you can do when toilet training your puppy is to establish a routine. Take your puppy outside to go to the toilet at regular intervals throughout the day, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, after play or exercise, after any excitement and before bedtime. Give lots of praise when your puppy goes to the toilet outside to reinforce the behaviour.
2 - Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to toilet training your puppy. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they go to the toilet outside, and ignore any accidents that happen indoors. Punishing your puppy for accidents will only confuse them and may make them anxious or fearful.
3 - Supervise Your Puppy
When your puppy is not in a crate or a safe zone, they should be supervised at all times. This will allow you to intervene and take them outside if you see them sniffing or circling, which are signs that they need to go to the toilet. If you can’t supervise your puppy, put them in a crate or a designated play area.
4 - Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly
If your puppy has an accident inside, it’s important to clean it up thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine to remove any traces of odour, as dogs are more likely to go to the toilet in the same spot if they can still smell their own urine.
5 - Be Patient
Toilet training takes time, and every puppy is different. Some puppies may pick it up quickly, while others may take several months to fully grasp the concept. Be patient and consistent with your training, and remember that accidents will happen. With time and patience, your puppy will eventually learn where to go to the toilet and become a well-trained companion.
Toilet training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By establishing a routine, using positive reinforcement, supervising your puppy, cleaning up accidents thoroughly, and being patient, you can help your puppy learn where to go to the toilet and become a well-trained companion.
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