Five Hints For Successful Puppy Training

If you've ever had a pet who wasn't yet housebroken, you know how eager, yes, even desperate you are to train them to be potty trained. It's just one of those things that you want to happen as soon as possible, so that your home doesn't end up being a cesspool of puppy waste. But what if your puppy just doesn't seem to get it? You could have spent hours and hours trying to train your puppy, and he/she still makes messes on your nice clean floor. If that's the case, this article is for you: learn some tips for potty training your puppy who doesn't seem to get it.

Assuming that your puppy is healthy and has no medical complications that will make house training more difficult, begin the potty training process by choosing a designated toilet area outside the house. It can be a general area or a specific location in the corner of your yard, but you must choose one place where you always take your puppy. Remember that your attitude towards your puppy in this process is very important. Your puppy doesn't know that she is making a mistake and doesn't yet know what's good or bad. Use affection and praise as a reward for good behavior, and "no� when your dog has misbehaved.

Now, here are the most important steps to potty training.

Scheduling

You must create a schedule that is easy for you to maintain. If you can't do it, how do you expect your dog to manage? Schedule your dog's feeding times, bed and wake-up times. Stick to these times as much as possible. If your pup is still very young, you may even want to schedule nap times. Your puppy will probably need to go outside after each nap, when she wakes up in the morning and just before bed time. she may also need to go out after she's been badly scared or after a rowdy play session. You should be able to see a pattern in your puppy's schedule emerge after a few days.

Supervise

If you know where your dog is at all times and what she is doing, you can avoid messes. If you see your puppy start looking around for a "spot,� you'll know that she needs to go out. Observe your dog so that you will quickly learn the difference between exploring hisher home and looking for a toilet area. If you see your puppy looking for a place in the house, firmly tell him/her "no� and take the puppy outside to hisher toilet area.

What to do when you're not around

If you're going to be leaving the house for a few hours during the day, put your puppy in hisher kennel or a small room (bathroom) with newspapers to catch any messes. Be sure that if you put your pup in a room, all chewable items have been removed. Don't leave food and water with the puppy while you're gone, and try to schedule your puppy's previous meal at least 2 hours before your departure time. That way your pup can digest and go out before you leave.

Taking your puppy out

When you take your dog out to the designated area, stand quietly so that she can find the right spot. Reserve your praise for after your puppy is done. Use a chosen word or phrase to offer praise. Even if the weather is bad, do not let your dog know that you don't want to be going out. You must teach your dog that she must go outside, no matter what the weather is.

Catching your pup "in the act�

If you do catch your dog in the act, firmly say "no.� If you still haven't gotten your pup's attention, clap your hands. Then bring the dog outside to the toilet area. Praise your pup if she relieves her/himself outside. Be sure that when you clean up the inside mess you use a deodorizing or odor killing cleanser, otherwise, she'll be more likely to use the area again.

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