It’s important to toilet train your new puppy soon after you welcome it home. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to teach good habits. With a little consistency and vigilance, you can have a well-trained dog that pees where it’s supposed to.
#1 Take Your Puppy Outside Often
Little puppies need to go frequently because they have smaller bladders. They also like the sensation of urinating on the grass. Take your puppy outside frequently for bathroom breaks to develop good habits.
#2 Remain Consistent
Stick to a bathroom routine. Take your puppy outside at the same time of the day every day until it learns. Remember, its body will get used to the new habit. If you miss a session, it may relieve itself indoors until it develops greater bladder control.
#3 Reward Good Behavior
Puppies feel anxious in new homes because they’re in unfamiliar surroundings around new people. They’re used to sleeping with their mothers and siblings. This anxiety can affect bladder control.
Bring your puppy’s favorite blanket or toy with it when it comes home. A familiar object can help your puppy settle in. When training your new furry friend, reward good behavior with positive reinforcement. Whenever it pees outside, praise it loudly or give it a treat.
#4 Discipline Your Puppy the Right Way
Accidents will happen. Your puppy may pee indoors if it has nowhere to go or wants your attention. If you see that your puppy is about to go to the bathroom, say “no” in a firm voice and take it outside.
The puppy is less likely to repeat undesirable behavior if it senses your disapproval. But disciplining a puppy will not work if it has already relieved itself indoors. The puppy simply won’t understand your frustration. Never hit or yell at the dog. This cruel act can be counterproductive because it will add to its anxiety.
You can try blocking access to furniture, rugs, and carpets with an indoor fence while the puppy is being trained. If the puppy urinates on your carpet, clean it up quickly with a cleaner that eliminates smells. Otherwise, the smell may trigger the puppy to repeat the behavior.
You can also try a puppy-training pee patch. Toronto's favourite eco-friendly dog pee pads are a good option because they’re made of 100% real grass, decompose urine and control odors. Your puppy is more likely to go on this item than your favorite rug because it feels so natural.
#5 Contact a Professional
If you don’t have the time to toilet train your puppy, then consider hiring a professional dog trainer to walk it while you’re away. With a little support, your furry friend will have the consistency it needs in its bathroom routine.
#6 Consult a Veterinarian
If your puppy won’t toilet train despite your best efforts, then take it to a veterinarian. Some medical conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, or kidney infections can make it difficult for your puppy to control its bladder. Thankfully, most of these conditions are treatable.
By following these tips, you can successfully toilet train your puppy and help it develop into a well-mannered adult dog that you can be proud of.
