6 Tips to House Train Your Puppy

Properly training your puppy to have good manners and be house trained is a critical step in owning a dog. We have a small 5-month-old puppy at the house right now, and she is being quite naughty (as all puppies are) in terms of going outside to do her business or jumping up at or running after strangers in the street. To train your dog, it is important to understand that dogs do not have the same thought process as humans and may misinterpret your messages. Here are some strategies we picked up to help her learn what is right from what is wrong without confusing her.

Do not yell at your dog

The most important part of house training your puppy is to not get angry or raise your voice at your puppy if they are relieving themselves inside your home. This is crucial, as your puppy will relate the action of relieving themselves with you getting cross, which means they will continue doing their business inside, only hiding from you.

Do distract them

Instead of raising your voice, try distracting your pet instead when you see them peeing or sniffing the ground. Be careful – distracting them does not mean scaring them! Try tapping the table or making a noise which isn’t directed towards them. Avoid clapping as you might want to use it to praise them for doing a good job or for calling them.

Designate a specific area outside

You should choose a particular area of grass outside where you always bring your pup to when they need to relieve themselves. They will relate this area with peeing orpooping and be more inclined to do it there as opposed to inside your house!

Watch your dog

Behavior such as sniffing the ground or walking around the house in circles could indicate it’s time to take them outside. This is when you should distract your dog, pick them up and take them to their designated spot. Make sure you stay outside and watch your dog with a treat ready to give them if they relieve themselves where you want them to do so. Remember to also bring treats with you on walks to praise your dog every time they do their business outside to encourage them to continue with the good behavior.

Be patient

Puppy training  is all about consistency, patience and positive reinforcement. Puppies usually become fully house trained after 4 to 6 months of practice. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy isn’t perfect all the time, as they are going to have some good and bad days. This is just part of the learning curve.

Begin training at 12-14 weeks old

Small breeds tend to have a smaller bladder and higher metabolisms, and may take longer to train than larger breeds.It is important to bring your dog outside every hour or two so that they don’t have to hold it too long. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning and again right before bed. Try to keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule and to take a trip outside after every meal or after a nap.

What tips do you have for house training? Let us know in a comment below!