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Potty Training
We have 2 puppies, 11 wks. old, and are having a real problem house training them. We take them out constantly, but sometimes no sooner bring them in and they pee on the floor. They just don't seem to be getting the hang of this, altho' there are times when they do let us know they want to go out. We got them when they were 7 wks. old and right now are at the end of our rope trying to figure out how to get them trained. An occasional accident we could deal with, but this is a daily thing. Any help you can give us???
The speed of potty training is different for every dog so be patient, they will get it! I have attached a few tips that may help speed along the process but if you have additional questions or are still having problems, you may want to consult with a PetSmart Pet Trainer.
First, puppies need to go outside on a regular basis and very frequently. When you are home, puppies should be taken outside every 30 minutes (regardless of whether or not they are indicating that they need to go!). It is best if you accompany your puppy outside so that you can reward your puppy for the correct behavior (verbal praise or a treat). Pets will often learn faster if they are taken to the same part of the yard or the same area each time they are taken outside. Consistently using verbal commands, such as “Get Busy”, allow you to indicate to your pet what they are to be doing. Avoid playing with your dog when trying to get them to go to the bathroom as this will distract your dog from getting the job done. Don’t forget to praise your pet when they go!
While pets are inside, it is very important that they are under constant supervision. If you notice your puppy sniffing around, quickly take your puppy outside. Often pets will need to urinate/defecate shortly after eating so it is important that pets are taken outside and monitored closely after a meal. Keeping your puppies in the same room as you either by using pet gates, leashes, etc., you will be more likely to detect the signs when they need to go outside. Crate training is generally very effective when trying to potty train a pet. You will still need to follow the same guidelines as outlined above but while you are unable to watch your pet, it may be a good solution. Natural instinct deters pets from soiling where they sleep. However, if the crate is too big and they can move away from the urine, they may choose to continue urinating in the crate. The crate should generally only be large enough for your pet to easily stand up, turn around and lie down. Upon removing your pet from the crate, be sure that your first action is to get your pet outside to eliminate.
- Jeff Schultz, Pet Training Expert
First, puppies need to go outside on a regular basis and very frequently. When you are home, puppies should be taken outside every 30 minutes (regardless of whether or not they are indicating that they need to go!). It is best if you accompany your puppy outside so that you can reward your puppy for the correct behavior (verbal praise or a treat). Pets will often learn faster if they are taken to the same part of the yard or the same area each time they are taken outside. Consistently using verbal commands, such as “Get Busy”, allow you to indicate to your pet what they are to be doing. Avoid playing with your dog when trying to get them to go to the bathroom as this will distract your dog from getting the job done. Don’t forget to praise your pet when they go!
While pets are inside, it is very important that they are under constant supervision. If you notice your puppy sniffing around, quickly take your puppy outside. Often pets will need to urinate/defecate shortly after eating so it is important that pets are taken outside and monitored closely after a meal. Keeping your puppies in the same room as you either by using pet gates, leashes, etc., you will be more likely to detect the signs when they need to go outside. Crate training is generally very effective when trying to potty train a pet. You will still need to follow the same guidelines as outlined above but while you are unable to watch your pet, it may be a good solution. Natural instinct deters pets from soiling where they sleep. However, if the crate is too big and they can move away from the urine, they may choose to continue urinating in the crate. The crate should generally only be large enough for your pet to easily stand up, turn around and lie down. Upon removing your pet from the crate, be sure that your first action is to get your pet outside to eliminate.
- Jeff Schultz, Pet Training Expert
