Puppies, puppies, puppies! What’s not to love about these wonderful little fur babies? Between the sheer overload of cuteness and the way they make the heart so happy, baby canines are just impossible to resist. While pups are a delightful addition to any home or family, they do come with their own set of challenges, the greatest of those being potty training.
Pups are going to pee and poop, a lot, but with patience, consistency, and a little positive reinforcement, your new canine companion can quickly learn where he should take care of his business.
Tips for Successful Potty Training:
- Stick to a Schedule: Just as with humans, our doggies do great when they have a routine. Schedule times for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and walks. According to the AKC, it’s best to feed your puppy a good quality food, three small meals a day. Not only will this help you to determine scheduled potty breaks, it’s easier on your pup’s tiny tummy.
- Crate Your Pup: Crate training your pup just makes good sense. Not only will it keep your fur baby safe when you aren’t at home, it will eliminate unnecessary messes throughout the house. It’s best to get a crate that is big enough for your puppy to comfortably stand up and move in, but not so big that it can poo and pee, yet still have room to sleep. In other words, dogs don’t care to do their business where they rest, so if they don’t have the room to “go”, they’ll be more inclined to let you know when it’s time for a bathroom break.
- Pay Attention: Potty training is not an exact science, and since every puppy is different, it’s important to pay attention to your four-legged friend’s behavior. If you notice sniffing or pacing, or scratching in his kennel, these are good indications that your canine needs to potty.
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise that pup when he does his business. Offering a treat right after elimination is a great reward for your fur baby and will reinforce this good behavior. If your puppy has a mishap, and they typically do, refrain from scolding, as this can put a damper on your relationship and progress. If you catch your little one in the act, quickly take him outside to finish. Patience and praise can go a long way in the potty-training process.
Training our four-legged friends takes work, but with patience and persistence, your canine will be doing his business outside in no time. And don’t forget, Scoopy Doo’s of Longmont will help clean it up. Scoopy Doo’s has been offering its dog waste and pet poo removal services since 1993. Call today for all your pet waste removal needs in Longmont and the surrounding area!
