Spring Break
The straight poop on house-training puppies
MCT
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Features
If ever there is an evergreen topic in pet-dom, it is house-training puppies.
The magic formula: Puppies have about one hour of bladder control for every month of age. So a puppy that goes home at 8 weeks (never younger, no matter what the breeder tells you) can hold it for only two hours. Plan potty breaks accordingly.
Forget the newspaper: The rolled-up version, that is. Like children, puppies learn best through rewards, not punishment. Accompany your puppy outside for potty breaks, and be sure to praise him lavishly when he urinates or defecates. Those who are fans of clicker training can "mark" this behavior by clicking when the dog first begins to squat, then rewarding with a food treat after.
I command thee to pee! As odd as it may sound, you can attach a command to pottying to solicit the response in your dog. Make sure it is a phrase that works in public, as well as in the solitude of your backyard. While some folks can sing, "Go poopies!" in mixed company without batting an eyelash, my personal preference is the more generic "Hurry up" or "Let's go."
Timing is everything: The only time you can correct your puppy for a housebreaking lapse is if you catch him in the act. Scoop him up mid-squat, say "no" firmly, and take him outside to resume his relief effort. If he does, praise lavishly.
If you come upon the mess after it has been made, silently clean it up and blame yourself for lousy vigilance.
Gee, whiz: No crystal ball can tell you precisely when your puppy will piddle, but there are some pretty clear signs, including sniffing and whining. Always take a puppy outside after waking, eating or playing, as these activities tend to herald nature's call.
Consistency counts: The best way to house-train a puppy is to ensure that he never makes a mistake in the house to begin with. This means, essentially, never allowing the puppy out of eyeshot until he is reliably potty-trained. It's a lot of effort, but you will shorten the process - and spare your rugs - if you make the commitment.
The magic formula: Puppies have about one hour of bladder control for every month of age. So a puppy that goes home at 8 weeks (never younger, no matter what the breeder tells you) can hold it for only two hours. Plan potty breaks accordingly.
Forget the newspaper: The rolled-up version, that is. Like children, puppies learn best through rewards, not punishment. Accompany your puppy outside for potty breaks, and be sure to praise him lavishly when he urinates or defecates. Those who are fans of clicker training can "mark" this behavior by clicking when the dog first begins to squat, then rewarding with a food treat after.
I command thee to pee! As odd as it may sound, you can attach a command to pottying to solicit the response in your dog. Make sure it is a phrase that works in public, as well as in the solitude of your backyard. While some folks can sing, "Go poopies!" in mixed company without batting an eyelash, my personal preference is the more generic "Hurry up" or "Let's go."
Timing is everything: The only time you can correct your puppy for a housebreaking lapse is if you catch him in the act. Scoop him up mid-squat, say "no" firmly, and take him outside to resume his relief effort. If he does, praise lavishly.
If you come upon the mess after it has been made, silently clean it up and blame yourself for lousy vigilance.
Gee, whiz: No crystal ball can tell you precisely when your puppy will piddle, but there are some pretty clear signs, including sniffing and whining. Always take a puppy outside after waking, eating or playing, as these activities tend to herald nature's call.
Consistency counts: The best way to house-train a puppy is to ensure that he never makes a mistake in the house to begin with. This means, essentially, never allowing the puppy out of eyeshot until he is reliably potty-trained. It's a lot of effort, but you will shorten the process - and spare your rugs - if you make the commitment.
Be the first to comment on this story