House training a new puppy requires patience. However, the reward is a well-behaved dog. Most puppies learn house-training procedures when they’re four- to six-months-old, though some can take up to one year. After taking your new family member to the veterinarian for their first checkup, here are a few potty-training tips to help ensure potty success.

Do:

Create a routine.

Walk, feed, and put your puppy to bed at the same time every day, as dogs are habitual creatures who prefer routine. Let the little canine outside in the morning and every 30 minutes, including after each regularly scheduled meal and nap. Emphasize routines further by taking the puppy to the same spot in your yard, as previous waste odors encourage elimination.

Use a crate.

If you don’t want to risk having your puppy go to the bathroom inside the home when you’re gone, use a crate. Dogs like to keep clean sleeping spaces, and will typically not use their crates for bathroom purposes. This will help your puppy learn to wait to go outside.

Provide praise and rewards.

Praise your puppy with positive words and plenty of affection every time they go in the “potty section” of your yard. Give them treats or toys to help them understand that going to the bathroom in the correct area results in rewards.

Don’t:

Automatically rely on pads.

Use urine pads only if you want the dog to eliminate indoors as well as outdoors. Encouraging them to go to the bathroom inside the home only at the beginning might confuse the pup. If you use pads, always keep them in the same spots. 

Ignore elimination warning signs.

Learn to recognize the warning signs that your puppy needs to go, such as scratching at the door, whining, barking, sniffing, and circling. To avoid household accidents, let the dog outside when you notice these red flags, or take them for a walk immediately.

Scold them.

Never yell at your puppy or rub their nose in the waste when you come upon an accident. Scolding the puppy or using any type of rough action might make the animal afraid of you. Be calm and patient, and take the puppy outside when you see it eliminating indoors to reinforce proper behavior. 
 

If your new puppy still hasn’t been to the veterinarian, visit Cedarknoll Animal Hospital in Montgomery, NY. The veterinarians at this full-service clinic provide potty training tips and other pet care advice to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. They also provide essential vaccinations. Call (845) 361-5404 today to schedule your pet’s appointment or visit them online for a service list.