While dogs are domesticated enough to respond to commands and live indoors, puppies still retain plenty of their “wild” instincts — such as wanting to relieve themselves outside. If they can’t, they’ll turn to the next most absorbent alternative: carpet. This can come as a shock to new dog owners. If your puppy’s accidents often force you to hire a carpet cleaning service, use the following training tips to keep your carpet clean in the future.

3 Training Tips to Puppy-Proof Your Carpet

1. Take Them Outdoors Often

When you first bring a puppy home, taking care of them is a full-time job. You should take them out to use the bathroom at least once every two hours when they’re small. While they might be confused as to why you keep putting on the leash and inviting them outdoors, they’ll soon get the hang of it—and they’ll be much less likely to do their business inside.

2. Use Incentives to Encourage Them

Whenever your puppy manages to go to the bathroom outside, it’s important to express how happy you are. Dogs are especially receptive to praise, as well as tangible rewards like treats and toys. Reward your pup with treats when they do the right thing. If you don’t have anything on hand, give them all the pets, belly rubs, and kisses they desire.

3. Clean Thoroughly

If your dog has an accident on the carpet, they’ll be able to smell their marking much better than you can. As long as the scent remains, it will encourage them to keep using that spot. Therefore, it’s crucial to completely remove the urine, as well as to use scent-removal products at the site of the accident. If your puppy keeps returning to the same spot, you might need to hire a professional carpet cleaning company.

If you’re looking for an experienced team to get rid of your pet’s accident, turn to The Rug Beater Cleaning Enterprises, Inc. of Talmage, PA. With nearly 30 years of carpet cleaning experience in the area, they cater to residential and commercial clients alike. This family-owned and -operated company uses cutting-edge products and techniques to protect your investment, whether you own carpet, tile, or area rugs. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (717) 656-9826 today.