Potty training is something that all puppies have to learn eventually. It is a prerequisite if you wish your dog to stay within the confines of the home. Even if it lives in the backyard, you might wish to teach it a thing or two regarding where it is ok to potty and where it isn’t.
Potty training is very important not only for basic dog’s needs, but establishing a relationship between the two of you. If you have issues with a dog during training, it can lead to some other negative things. New dog owners may not be aware of how to potty train a puppy. As a result, it leads to crucial mistakes and could alienate a dog from the owner.
Here are some step-by-step tips on how to potty train a dog. It will help you make it through the training and ultimately, teach your dog where to potty and when:
- Establishing who’s the boss
This is something that is often overlooked and that is usually on the owners. We are overprotective with puppies and cannot give them proper guidance when necessary. You should allow puppies to show emotions, but you shouldn’t always react in a manner that is favorable for the dog. Basically, puppy needs to listen to you and not the other way around.
This is especially important during initial weeks. An important tip on how to potty train your puppy is to explain and get the puppy to understand when to potty. Furthermore, you need to create a walking and feeding routine so you can predict dog’s bowel movements. You must train a dog and the way it behaves. When going out, it’s also important to stay for a limited amount of time. Otherwise, your puppy will want to stay as long as possible.
- Use love
What do I mean by this? Well, some inexperienced people think that dogs should be ruled with an iron fist. Remember, you’re intimidating to little puppies as it is, so you won’t have to use much force for a puppy to obey your commands.
Dogs are very good at reading your body language so aggressive “persuasion” will not really be necessary. Still, you need to be vocal if a puppy messes the carpet. Dog needs to get the message, but in a way so it understand it is still being loved.
The best way of handling a dog (and not only for potty training) is giving a positive feedback. Treats are much more efficient than anything else. And, they might prove to be a valuable ally during initial phases of training. Of course, a mild petting will also go a long way.
- Creating routine
Both routine and discipline are something that is necessary for a long-term success. When you’re thinking about how to potty train your puppy, remember discipline will be important. It presents a good structure for any future lessons.
When I mention routine, I am not only referring to taking your dog for a walk at the same time. Routine also includes dietary habits. How to potty train your puppy should be based on planning and figuring out your dog’s metabolism. There is no reason to go out if a dog doesn’t have to potty.
Feed your puppy around the same time each day. Similarly, you should go out around the same time each day. Dog needs to understand that these walks are not for their entertainment. They are for exercise and so they can potty.
Conclusion
For some people, the first days of living with a puppy may seem infuriating (especially if you never had a puppy before). However, this is all part of the process. You need to show patience, discipline, lead with an example and to make it easier on a dog by controlling its diet.
