When it comes down to house training your new puppy, it's all about patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The goal from training is to establish good habits and build a forever loving bond with your new family member. It takes on average between 4 to 6 months in order to fully house train a young pup, with some pups taking an entire year in order to get to grips with their new home and surroundings. If you are adopting a new puppy or perhaps an older dog, you may discover that you need to help your four-legged friend to break old habits in order to establish new ones.
It's important to remember that while training you shouldn't worry if you experience any form of setbacks, there are always other alternatives to help you through it. In this article, we will be taking a look at the basic tips and advice on how to house train your new canine companion along with alternative solutions and services that may benefit you and your new four-legged friend.
Introducing your new canine companion.
Once you and your new family member have survived the car ride, it's time to introduce them to their new surroundings. It's recommended to keep visitors or abrupt changes to your new puppy or dog's environment to a complete minimum until they have settled in. You want to create a relaxed environment in your home and stress-free as physically possible.
Allow them to explore on their own for a while. If you have taken the earlier opportunity to puppy proof your home, they should be safe but it's always recommended to keep a watchful eye on them. If your new puppy focuses their immediate attention on you, simply say their name in an upbeat fashion and sound cheerful. This helps them to associate their name to paying attention to you which is incredibly important for obedience training.
Be prepared to establish a routine.
Much like babies, puppies work best on a regular schedule or routine. The routine teaches them that there are specific times to do their 'business', eat, and when it's time to play. It's crucial that you remain consistent throughout the training process so that your puppy can learn through habit. Once your new family member has successfully done their 'duty' outside, it's important that you reward their good behavior. This good behavior doesn't require a full-blown celebration, however, a simple yet quiet approval or a treat can help send the 'well done' message across.
If your four-legged friend finds their way into something they shouldn't or perhaps chews on something that is off-limits, avoid punishing them. Simply exchange the object of interest for something you have designated as chew-able.
Not every puppy can go potty outdoors.
If you don't have access to a backyard or outdoor space for your puppy or small dog to go potty, there are other alternatives available:
Disposable potty pads: These are often infused with pheromones which are designed to encourage your dog to relieve themselves on them. The pads are incredibly absorbent and feature a plastic layer which prevents any liquid from soaking through.
Litter box: If you prefer, your puppy or small dog could use a litter box. Your dog may not naturally take to this idea of yours, in the same way, a cat would, but with persistent effort and positive reinforcement they will soon learn.
Synthetic grass: Even with other options available, some dogs will simply prefer to do their 'business' on grass. You can easily tap into this instinctive desire by offering an indoor patch of synthetic grass. Even though the size of indoor grass pads and patches varies, most are constructed in specific layers: scented, antimicrobial turf which sits on top of a tray into which urine drains.
The power of positive reinforcement.
It's important that you don't punish your puppy for an accident or create a negative association with their very own bodily functions. It's essential that you remain calm and assertive before moving the puppy to the correct place where they need to 'go'. If performed correctly, house training should not be much of a problem. If your pup does their 'business' in the correct location, reward them with energy and enthusiasm!
Don't lose hope when it comes to training, there is always a solution.
Don't allow unnecessary stress over a very natural process ruin the joy and pleasure of owning a new dog. If your efforts are just not enough for your new four-legged family member, professional advice may be required.
It's essential to you and your pup to make the right informed decision when it comes to selecting a professional dog trainer. Recommendations are the perfect place to start. With the use of a dog trainer, a dog's behavior should soon improve so that both you and your canine companion are both happier and enjoying a far greater quality of life together.