We at Prescott Maid to Order love our pets and know you love your pets, too. We are here to help.
One of the best ways to “house train” your puppy (and I do mean “house train,” not just potty train) is to limit freedom. Too often, people allow the puppy too much access to everything and every room in the house and then complain that he potties everywhere and chews things up. Limiting freedom is healthy and teaches the puppy boundaries and impulse control.
Crate training is the easiest and most effective solution. Get a crate that is large enough for the puppy or dog to stand up, turn around and lay down, but not large enough for him to go over to the corner to do his business and then move away. Dogs inherently do not want to soil where they sleep and will avoid going until they can go somewhere they can then leave. Make sure you feed your dog its last meal of the day in the early evening (three hours before you want to retire). Also, remove the water source in the evenings. Take puppy out the very last thing you do before you go to bed. Make sure you take him to the exact spot that he went last time. The scent will trigger the impulse to go there again. Treat and praise him for going! Put puppy in the crate for the night and cover with a light sheet. First thing in the morning, take puppy out immediately (carry him if possible, so he doesn’t potty on his way out) to the exact same spot as before and say “potty.” Have a treat ready when he goes, and make a big deal of it!
During the day, depending on your lifestyle and schedule, he should spend some time in the crate and repeat the process. When not in the crate, he should be with you on a leash, in a puppy pen or outside unless you are actively involved with him in the house, playing, etc. This limits the possibility of accidents. Do not scold him if you discover an accident after the fact. The learning opportunity has passed. Observe. Look for signs that he needs to go out such as actively smelling the ground, circling or squatting. Quickly swoop him up, calmly but firmly say, “No potty,” and take him out to the place he has been going, then make a big deal when he goes, with lots of praise. This takes time and dedication, there is no magic.
If he does have an accident, it is very important that the area is thoroughly cleaned, but keep in mind, that scent may linger. Keep hard floors cleaned and rugs washed often. Have your carpets professionally cleaned regularly and particularly if there have been several accidents.
Even though you may be crate training with potty training in mind, crate training is also essential for teaching puppy that you have control over your home and that destroying things is not allowed. Keep the house picked up of stuff on the floor or on reachable tables and counters, just like you would for a toddler. Keep the home generally clean to lessen the common scents that may entice a puppy to chew, shred, eat or potty on.
We at Prescott Maid to Order love our pets and know you love your pets, too. We are here to help. QCBN
By Lucy Leyva
Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.
