Tips for Potty Training Puppies and Adult Dogs
Routine
Regardless of your dog’s age, maintaining a specific routine is important. Puppies will only be able to hold their bladders for as many hours as they are months old (for instance, a 3-month-old puppy can only be expected to hold it for 3 hours). Adult dogs, on the other hand, should be able to wait for 8 – 10 hours, if need be.
To maintain their healthy lifestyle, take your dog or puppy outside at the same times every day. These times should include after your dog wakes up, after meals, after playtime, and before bed. When you take your dog outside, always go to the same spot in the yard. Keep your pet on a leash to discourage distractions and wait in the area until pottying is complete. Once your dog is finished, provide plenty of positive reinforcement.
Vigilance
Next, you must always be vigilant of your dog until he or she is fully potty trained. Look for indications that your pet needs to go outside, such as pawing at the floor, whining, pacing, circling, or sniffing. While accidents will happen, the fewer accidents that occur in the house, the faster your dog will be fully potty trained. If necessary, keep your dog on a leash when you are indoors so that you can watch your pet at all times during the potty training phase.
Crate-Training
Another option is to utilize a crate for potty training purposes. Dogs instinctively refuse to urinate/defecate in confined spaces. Make sure the crate you choose is only large enough for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in, otherwise your dog may relieve itself in one corner of the crate and sleep in the other. Crates are useful for preventing accidents while you are away from home but should be used responsibly. Never leave a dog crated for periods of time longer than 3 – 6 hours (depending on the dog’s age).
Proper Cleaning Tools
Finally, it is important to have the proper cleaning supplies when potty training your dog or puppy. Proteins in dog urine serve as a “calling card” for your pet. If your dog has an accident inside the house, you may notice your pet returning to this area over and over again. It is necessary that you remove the proteins from your carpet. Otherwise, your dog’s potty training will be delayed. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pets to ensure accidents do not continue to occur.
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Please note: all dogs should be treated as individuals. The Actijoy™ blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only. In the case of emergency, always seek qualified healthcare from a local veterinarian or emergency facility. Actijoy™ blogs are not designed to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medication for your pet.
