Puppy potty training for real dog lovers

We often see people punishing their dogs as they teach them how to potty. This is a common misconception and there are a lot of people who believe that by forcing it on a dog, it will produce fast results.

Puppies are same as kids. No matter how many times you repeat something, they will still do their thing. They can only learn as the time goes by and that requires patience. However, the thing we are interested in is the long term effect of potty training.

In some dogs, potty training can lead to phobia. Sometimes, puppy will become scared of its owner and the entire ordeal will be perceived as a negative one.

 On the other hand, you can create a positive experience from it. Potty training is not only a training; it is a bonding experience that will last for a lifetime. This is precisely why there are so many potty training guides: unlike some other forms of training, this one is crucial and cannot be avoided.

Basics of puppy potty training

As mentioned, puppy potty training is something that needs to be done with caution and patience. There is no place for punishment or negativity. Puppy is still a baby and doesn’t understand the world around it. Mistakes will happen but you are there to comfort and teach a better way.

You are the one that needs to initiate everything.

Potty training is ideal if you can predict puppy’s needs and go outside ahead of the time. This will in fact be necessary at first until puppy learns how to communicate with you and “tell you” that it needs to go out.

Everything is done based on the principle of reward: whenever puppy does a good job, you should encourage it or pet it. However, make sure not to introduce treats as this may build a nasty habit forcing you to carry food around.

Potty training builds a strong bond as it connects you and dog’s urge together. In other words, through dog’s eyes, you are seen as a facilitator.

Here are some major tips from Kaufmann’s Puppy Training experts you need to know:

• Make sure to wake up every morning and take your puppy out as soon as possible. If you leave it unattended, it will make a mess somewhere in house. So, act preemptively and create a habit where the dog needs to go out to relieve itself
• Petting your dog in the morning is counterproductive. Puppies get excited quickly and if they haven’t emptied their bladder… well, you get it
• Smaller dogs will require more attention. Their bladders and smaller and will need to go out frequently. As a temporary solution, you can introduce a box into the house. This may be dog’s shelter. So, when puppy needs to relieve itself, just put it in the box as they won’t relive themselves in their own kennel. This can buy you some time but you will still have to take your dog out
• You can let your dog urinate in the house a few times, only if you’re too tired. But this should be an exception, not a rule. Remember, you are trying to make a habit. Mixed messages do not help
• Dogs need to go out soon after a meal. Just to be on the safe side, go outside immediately after puppy has finished its meal. Observe it and check its metabolism. If it has fast metabolism this means that you will be forced to go out soon after a meal. If it has slower, this means you got some time before getting out of the house.