POTTY TRAINING PUPPY

When it comes to potty training puppy you should always be prepared for a few little accidents along the way. In fact, without these accidents it can be difficult to show your beloved puppy exactly where they can and cannot go. That said, on the whole, the process of potty training puppy would be much quicker and a lot easier if you get into a routine that means your puppy is unlikely to make mistakes.

As with all forms of puppy training you should use reprimand and reward. Only ever use verbal reprimand and only when it is absolutely necessary, but in comparison you should give your dog as much praise as possible when they do something well or do it correctly. In the case of potty training you should reprimand them for going indoors but only if you catch them in the act and you should reward them when they go outside.

You should remember that puppies will need to go and potty roughly half an hour after every meal but they will also need to go first thing in the morning and last thing at night. However, these are unlikely to be the only occasions they will need to go out and you should learn to read your puppy to know when he is sniffing for somewhere to go or is just exploring the house and trying to recognize the smells. Initially you should probably be letting your puppy out every two to three hours.

While your puppy is training you should not leave food down for them and instead you should have set meal times. Wherever possible, stick to these same times every day because this will help your puppy learn a routine of eating and going outside at the same time every day. As well as using the same time for your routine you should try to make everything as constant as possible. If you use a particular door to take them out on the first visit then you should continue to use this door.

When everything goes well and puppy does manage to potty outside then you should praise them and possibly even give them a tasty treat. If you do this regularly they will associate walking out of that door to go to the toilet and being given a treat for doing so. In the even you catch your puppy in the act, pick him up before he’s finished and take him outside. Once he finishes outside, give him praise and a treat.

One of the first things you will need to do after giving your new puppy lots of love and affection is to train it to go to the toilet in the right place. This can often be problematic, just like it can be difficult to educate a child. It is important however that the puppy learns this as quickly as possible to avoid getting told off all the time. This article will give you some ideas on how to potty train your puppy effectively so that it knows where to go to the toilet and that inside the house is not the right place. Most dogs identify the house as their home pretty quickly and will naturally go outside when nature calls.

The first thing to understand is that dogs are fairly predictable after eating some food. They will want to poop about 15 - 20 after finishing. This means that a few minutes after the puppy has finished eating you should take it outside. Let it wander around and eventually it will want to poop. After you have done this a few times the penny will drop and the dog will start to whine if it is inside and wants to go to the toilet. You may find that watching your puppy all the time will be difficult but you should spend as much time with a new puppy at the beginning to help it to settle. If you have a family then maybe you could take turns at looking after the puppy.

Puppies will also want to go to the toilet when they wake up, when it leaves it’s crate or box and after snacks or drinking water. As you can imagine, it could be a full time job monitoring your puppy for all these occasions. That is why you should take turns with other family members if possible.

If you want your puppy to poop in a certain place then always take it to that place around the time it is likely to want to poop. Another method that works is to get it to poop on a piece of newspaper. This can be used in the house to avoid messing up the carpet or floor and at night times when the dog is alone. Place the paper in a corner of the room where the puppy is staying. Encourage it to go to the toilet on the paper when you see it arching it’s back or making motions to go to the toilet. Once it has identified the paper as the place to do these things you can use a piece of paper to educate the puppy about a special place in the back garden or wherever. This will make your life easier when the puppy becomes older and doesn’t litter your yard with excrement.

Potty training a puppy is one of the first things you will need to do to socialize your dog. There will be many other things it will have to learn so that it can be a coveted and useful member of the family. Learning potty training will set it off on the right path for future learning and good behavior.

Choosing a new puppy to bring into your home is a big decision. Here are some helpful hints and tips to making sure your new puppy is the right one.

The first thing you need to consider is research! This is the one step that is so often ignored when choosing a puppy, but is perhaps the most important step.

Too often people choose their new puppy based on emotion, and not the facts.

First things first, research the breed you want. I would recommend getting an all breed dog book at your library or local book store to help you in choosing a puppy. Get a book that gives details about the breeds temperament, energy level, adaptability, size, trainability, etc. Many people will pick up a dog magazine to check out the dogs for sale advertisements in the back. The problem with using this method to choose a breed is that these ads are designed to sell you on that specific breed from a specific kennel. Instead of choosing the right breed for you, you may be swayed by a nice layout and a professional ad.

When researching dog breeds, take everything into consideration. For example, some large dogs do better in apartments than certain small dogs. Some small breeds do better with room to run and play and despite their small size wouldn’t do well in an apartment. Some dogs are very independent and are more difficult to train. There are grooming requirements to consider. Some dogs are prone to certain health problems. Learn these things about the different breeds before you choose which one to purchase. When choosing a puppy, there is no such thing as too much research.

Once you have settled on the right breed it is now time to really buckle down and do your research. Now you’ve got to decide where to get this perfect dog. At this point it is important to note that there is typically one place where you don’t want to get a new puppy. That place is the pet store. It is not always the case, but dogs from pet stores often come from puppy mills. A puppy mill is a business that someone has set up to basically manufacture dogs. Puppy mills are notorious for overcrowding, lack of sanitation, health problems both from external causes and from poor breeding practices. Female dogs in a puppy mill will give litter after litter until their body is no longer capable. Owners of puppy mills give no thought to what makes a good dog, both structurally and mentally. The sole desire of a puppy mill is to make money, not to maintain and improve the gene pool of a certain breed. Don’t be drawn in by the cute puppy in the pet store window. It is very likely that behind that cute puppy exterior lurks genes that will make an unbalanced and unhealthy dog.

So where should you go about choosing a puppy? The answer is simple: from a reputable breeder. However, while the answer is simple, it isn’t so easy to go about finding that breeder. They aren’t always easy to find. Here are some tips for finding the right breeder:

- Don’t start out in the classifieds. Too often the classifieds section of your local newspaper is inhabited by ‘backyard breeders’. A backyard breeder is often just as dangerous as a puppy miller. The backyard breeder breeds his dog because ‘We wanted her to have a litter before we got her fixed’, or ‘We wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth’, or ‘Well, we had a German Shepherd and so did the neighbor, so it just made sense’. Shelters nationwide are filled with dogs resulting from these breedings. If you want your dog to have a litter ‘just because’, don’t do it. If you want your kids to witness the miracle of birth, rent a documentary. If you breed your dog because your neighbor has a similar one, have you considered the temperament, genetics of the parents, etc.? Probably not. Choosing a puppy from a backyard breeder can have regretful consequences. Avoid backyard breeders.

- Talk to a breed association. Nearly every dog breed has an affiliated association. Some of the more popular breeds have several national, regional, and local associations. These associations should be able to provide you with guidance on where to find reputable breeders. Many even specialize in helping new owners in choosing a puppy.

- Talk to local dog trainers and veterinarians. These professionals will often have contacts that may be able to help in choosing a puppy.

- Look in the back of the large dog magazines. There will often be many breeders. You will have to do your due diligence as any breeder can make it in the back of a magazine if they have the money to spend. It can be a useful resource for finding several breeders, though.

- Use the internet as a way to find breeders. Don’t be ‘sold’ on their website alone. Make sure you to do your due diligence.

Once you have a pool of several potential breeders from whom you are considering choosing a puppy, get in contact with them. A good breeder will actually interview you. A good breeder will want to know who you are, how you live, why you want the dog, and many more other things to make sure that you will properly care for something they have put so much work into. Answer these questions honestly. Hopefully, you will have a long relationship with this person.

As you go to their kennel or breeding facility take note of the conditions.

Good breeders are fanatical about sanitation.

Make sure things are well kept and maintained. Depending on the age of the puppies that you go to see the mother still may be around. Try to get a feel for her temperament and look. If the father is available, insist on seeing him too. The parents should be strong, healthy, and confident. They shouldn’t shy away from you or exhibit other behaviors that indicate a weakness or genetic problem.

Observe the puppies. They should be healthy. Make sure, when choosing a puppy, that you are looking for a puppy that is confident, large, and social. Don’t fall in the trap that many do by selecting a small, sickly puppy because they feel bad for the little guy.

Don’t be fooled by certain behaviors, either. A growling, nervous puppy is not going to make a better watch dog. He is growling out of an intense fear, not watchdog material. Keep in mind that the dominant puppy may be too much for you if you aren’t used to working with dogs.

Above all, use common sense. I know they are cute, but try to make a decision based on logic and reason, not because that little puppy hiding in the corner is so cute the way he trembles when someone goes near him. Choosing a puppy should never be a snap decision.

As is often the case, you may find that the best breeder with available puppies isn’t in your local area. In a case such as this you have a few options. You can travel to them, observe the facilities first hand, and purchase your puppy. This often isn’t reasonable for most people. Or, you can get references and thoroughly check out the particular breeder by phone and internet. Then, once you are satisfied that you will get a quality puppy, an arrangement can be made for choosing a puppy through photographs and breeder recommendation, and then get your puppy shipped by air freight. If you do this well you can have a great experience. I have been involved with the remote purchase of many dogs from as far away as France and the Czech Republic and have been very satisfied with the results because of doing proper research.

Just remember, when choosing a new puppy, do your homework and you will be grateful for the life of your dog

One of the most frustrating elements of acquiring a new puppy is preparing for potty training. To assist with this nagging issue, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite potty training techniques. The three key components to successful potty training with a new puppy are: Be Prepared, Be Consistent and Be Patient.

Be Prepared

Establish a “Potty command”

This is the phrase you’ll use whenever you’d like your puppy to do his business. When taking your puppy to the designated spot where you want him to eliminate, you should stand with him and tell him “Go potty” or whatever phrase you’ve established as your “potty command”. Having one phrase you use repeatedly will help your puppy understand what it is you are asking him to do. Important tip: make sure everyone in the family is using the same phrase (this is very important so the puppy does not become confused).

Establish an “Elimination spot”

Choose a location not too far from your door to be the designated “elimination spot”. You can create a spot by outlining an 8×10 area with a clothesline. This will help to give your puppy a visual clue where you’d like him to go. Always take your puppy to the same area and give him his “potty command”.

Choose a “Praise” phrase

The easiest way to teach your puppy good manners is to wait until he does something you like and reward him with kind words and a treat. Choose a “praise” phrase to use whenever your puppy is behaving in a way you like; such as, playing with a toy, greeting visitors nicely, lying quietly or eliminating outside. The phrase can be something as simple as “Good Boy” or “Nice job, Duke.” Your puppy will very quickly associate the “praise” phrase with a positive experience and want to please you. Again, make sure everyone caring for the puppy is using the same phrase.

Select a “Confinement” Area

If your puppy is not reliable in the house, don’t leave him unattended. Whenever you cannot supervise your puppy, he should be confined to an area small enough he won’t want to eliminate there. It should be just big enough for him to comfortably stand, lie down and turn around in. This area could be a portion of a laundry room or bathroom blocked off by baby gates or a dog crate or kennel. Remember to immediately take your puppy outside to potty after spending extended time in his “confinement” area.

Be consistent

Be aware that young puppies physically need to eliminate every 2-4 hours. Establishing a consistent routine for your puppy is critical. Initially, you should take the puppy outside at least every 2 hours, immediately after he wakes from his nap or is released from his confinement area and about ½ hour after eating. As you get to know your puppy better you’ll recognize the signs your pup needs to relieve himself and can reduce the number of trips necessary. When your pup is playing in the house, keep a close eye on him. If he starts to sniff around or turn in circles – pick him up and carry him to the spot where you’d like him to eliminate, give him the “potty command” and stay with him until he relieves himself. Once he does, immediately congratulate him with his “praise” phrase and a tasty teat. Don’t wait until you’ve returned to the house. Immediate gratification reassures the puppy this is the behavior you want from him. If you aren’t able to attend to your puppy every 2-4 hours, enlist in the help of a local pet sitter. He/she can help visit your pup whenever you are not available and decrease the time it may take to get your new pup potty trained.

Be Patient

If your puppy does have an accident, don’t punish him or rub his nose in the waste, doing so will only make the pup afraid to eliminate in your presence. Your puppy didn’t make a mistake –you did! Remember, when your puppy is not confined, you should be supervising him. If you catch him in the act, carry him outside immediately and give the “potty command”. If he finishes outside, praise and treat him as you normally would. If you discover an accident after the fact, do nothing except clean the spot with a good enzymatic cleaner so it isn’t labeled as a “potty place” and supervise your puppy more closely.

If you make all the necessary preparations, remain consistent with your training techniques and stay patient with your pup –he should be potty trained in no time!

The biggest concern of people who have adopted a new puppy is potty training. Traditionally, this involves leashing or chaining your puppy to go outside or teaching him to use a certain area in the yard. The trick is getting them to let you know when they have to go. The other problem is what happens when the puppy is left home alone for extended periods of time. There are a lot of accidents, which proves to be frustrating for everyone involved.

For owners of small breed dogs and those who live in apartments or have a confined area for the their puppy outside, however, there is another option. You can train your puppy to go in a designated spot in your house, even when you are not home. This method is called litter training or (house training) and is similar to what cat owners use.

Introduce Puppy Slowly

Your puppy is already adjusting to new surroundings and being away from his pack. You should introduce everything to him as slowly as you can so that he is comfortable and not scared by anything. When you introduce the crate to your puppy, for example, you should first get him used to being in it for short periods of time, without leaving him alone just yet. Place your hand in the crate and let him know that it is a safe place to be. Let him go in and out at his leisure at first and progress from there with short segments of time when he is left alone in the crate. Making him feel comfortable in his new surroundings will make it a smooth transition.

Consistent Feedings

One key to training a new puppy is to provide consistent feedings. This will help in a number of ways. First, he will know when to expect his food. You will know when to expect him to have to go potty. Leaving a full bowl out all day will not allow you to have as much control over the situation. Once he has eaten, remove leftover food and take him to the spot you want him to go potty. He should be ready to use the litter box within 20 minutes after eating, so this is an important time to watch him carefully and help him succeed.

Puppy Training Pads

There are numerous brands of puppy training pads on the market. They are made for housebreaking puppies and creating indoor dogs. They block odor and protect your floors. They are easy to dispose of and make cleanup a breeze. Simply take your puppy to the pad when he needs to go potty. With the right encouragement, the puppy will begin to use it with more frequency.

Dog Liter

Similar to kitty litter, dog litter is also available. This is another useful aid in potty training your puppy indoors. Purchase a good size kitty litter box and fill it with a small amount of the dog litter. Use the same approach you would with the training pads, encouraging him to use the litter box and praising him when he does. Put the litter tray in a spot that is comfortable for your puppy. Dog litter will cut down on odor problems as well. When placed inside of the larger cage, as described above, it is especially convenient. Just be sure to keep the cage and the litter box clean for your puppy.

Crate Training

By slowly adjusting your puppy to a crate, you will be able to have more control over when and where your puppy urinates. Two methods work well in conjunction with the cage. The first plan is to have your puppy in a small crate whenever you are not home or are unable to keep a close eye on him. Immediately let him use the litter are when you take him out of the crate. This will teach him bladder control and keep him from using your entire house as a litter box. The second plan is to have one large cage with a comfortable area on one side and the litter box on the other side. This works especially well for puppies left alone for long periods of time on a regular basis. This is a lifesaver for the working pet owner. It allows for the puppy to go when he has to go. He doesn’t have to wait for you to let him out. There isn’t any punishment necessary, in this case, and makes it easier for you to spend time playing with your puppy rather than scolding him when you come home.

Praise and Rewards

The best way to ensure your puppy will adapt to the new training method is to provide consistent praise when he does what you want him to do. When your puppy eliminates on the pad or in the litter, give him plenty of attention and encouragement. Treats can also be offered as a way to support the positive behavior. The key with offering treats is to be consistent and offer praise each time.

Benefits of Indoor Training

By training your puppy to eliminate indoors, in his designated area, there will be less mess and fewer accidents. There will be no need to worry about accidents when you are away because your puppy will have a safe place to go potty. There won’t be messes outside for you to pick up after and you can simply dispose of the training pad or scoop the liter. Your puppy’s health is another benefit. Some annual vaccinations may be unnecessary if you puppy remains indoors. Your dog’s overall health will be better and you could save on costly veterinarian expenses.

Enjoy Your Puppy

Puppies are like children; they only stay small for a short time. This should be an enjoyable time for you and your puppy. Don’t let potty training and accidents ruin this fun and exciting time. Puppies are social animals and don’t like being isolated, so the quicker they are trained, the less time they will need to spend in the crate and the more enjoyable they will be as a pet. Play with your puppy, give him lots of attention and be consistent with whichever method of training you choose.

/>For all too many, the process of choosing a puppy or puppies is based purely on how cute the puppy is or how playful its personality seems at the pet store or kennel. Granted, playful and cute puppies can really tug at your heart strings and urge you to make an impulsive and expensive decision regarding this very important addition to your family, but without proper thought and research into the type of breed you are purchasing, your family and your cute, adorable puppy could be in for a long road of pain and frustration ahead.



Purebred puppy breeds have inherent characteristics that are particular to their breed, and these characteristics usually get more pronounced with age. While different breed characteristics will be appropriate for different families, matching the wrong breed with the wrong family can have devastating consequences.



It has been estimated that the number one reason why competent pet owners relinquish ownership of their puppy or puppies to one of the many county humane services to be found all across the country is because they have become frustrated with certain characteristics of the dog. No matter whether the problem is big, such as aggression to children or other pets, or small, such as a tendency to chew everything in sight, as the puppy grows and its cuteness wears off, the frustration experienced from having a poorly matched puppy will increase. And the consequences can be heart wrenching for the both the family and the dog.



But by simply taking a little time to research the breed you are considering purchasing, you can guarantee that your new puppy will be a well-loved addition to your family unit. While I’m not saying that you should discount a breed entirely based on one troublesome characteristic, I’m saying that you should be prepared and able to deal with any problems, behavioral or health related, that is associated with the breed.



In order to obtain accurate information when choosing the right breed of puppy for your family, stay away from sources that have an interest in selling the puppy. I learned this one the hard way. After my children and family fell in love with a puppy at a local, reputable pet store, I had many questions for the sales clerk about how easily the puppy could be house broken. A puppy making messes all over the house is just not something that I can deal with a few times let alone for months of house breaking.



I was assured by the clerk that the breed was very intelligent and able to be crate trained in a matter of three days. To make a long story short, $1,500 and 9 months later the puppy still requires constant supervision and cannot be a complete part of the family due to our inability to house break him. Research conducted after the purchase revealed that the breed was inherently stubborn and in some cases unable to be house broken despite all attempts.



So, instead of relying on biased sources, turn to the library and people who own that particular breed of puppy or have owned one in the past. If you know someone who has relinquished a purebred puppy of the breed that you are considering for a fraction of the cost that they paid for it or for free, you need to ask them some serious and pointed questions before deciding to invest in that particular breed of puppy. Here are the most important questions that you need answered before purchasing a puppy or puppies:



1. What is the temperament like? 2. What is the mature size and weight? 3. Are they good with children? 4. What are their indigenous health problems? 5. How long do they live? 6. How much do they shed? 7. How much do they eat? 8. How trainable are they? 9. Can they be easily house broken? 10. Do they require a lot of grooming? 11. How noisy are they? 12. How protective are they? 13. Do they require any special care or management? 14. Are they good with other dogs and animals?



Now all you need to do is match the answers of these questions with your family’s needs. Choose wisely, and you will have chosen a best friend of a lifetime, a dog that will truly be a joy to have and a treasured member of the family.

Age Specific

Choose food specifically made for puppies. As a general rule, it’s better to buy brand name puppy food rather than generic or low-priced food. You can’t really tell from the ingredient whether or not a particular food is good or bad.

Many things that you would look for on the labels of food you buy for yourself — extra protein or vitamins — may actually harm your pet rather. Over supplementing can be factors in major health issues for your dog, including contributing to hip dysplasia or other orthopedic problems.

Size Specific

Look for large breed puppy food if you have a large breed puppy (great dane, rottweiler, german shepherd, etc.) It isn’t just the kibble size that’s different,large breed food is actually formulated differently than regular puppy food. It is specially made for very rapidly growing puppies.

How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?

Very young puppies do better when offered food three times a day. As they grow, they will require fewer feedings, but will eat more at each feeding. If your puppy doesn’t seem to be hungry that often, cut the feedings down to twice a day.

After ten or twelve weeks of age, you should just offer food twice a day — once in the morning, and once in the evening. Even adult dogs should eat two times a day. If you are currently feeding your grown dog two cups of food once a day, try feeding one cup twice a day instead.

Dogs who are only feed once a day often become overly hungry and then overeat when they are fed.

How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?

Let your puppy eat as much as she wants in fifteen minutes and then pick up the food dish. Again, this holds true for adult dogs as well.

Having food continually available encourages overeating. Pet obesity is on the rise, and many people don’t realize that the affects on your dog are just as deadly as they are to people.

Often free-fed puppies never get very hungry, so they become finicky eaters — which leads to feeding treats. Treats are OK, but don’t let them become an important part of the diet.

Remember, those cute little chubby puppies will grow up to be fat adult dogs with orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia, torn cruciate ligaments, luxating patellas, etc., as well as the same cardiac issues humans suffer.

Canned food vs. dry food.

We used to think that canned food was bad for your puppies teeth. But, research has shown that’s not the case. The myth of dry food being better for your dog’s teeth has turned out to be just that — a myth.

In fact, for young dogs, canned food is probably the better choice overall because of the extra moisture content. Although I will be the first to admit dry food is cheaper and easier to use.

To Recap:

Feed age specific food Feed name brand rather than generic Feed size specific food Feed very young puppies 3 times a day, then cut back to 2 times a day Canned or dry food is a personal preference, not a health issue

A new puppy can be cute, playful – and a furry bundle of terror if he is not properly trained. This is why dog behavior training is such an important first step in the puppy care process. A well-trained dog is a welcome addition to the family, and a source of companionship and enjoyment for many years. Training should begin from the first day that your dog enters your home, and will continue until your pet understands all of the rules of the house and abides by them consistently. The time that you spend working with your pet on dog behavior training will be time well spent indeed.

How to Complete Dog Behavior Training

When you do sit down to work with your puppy, there are some good rules of thumb to follow. First, make sure that the commands that you give your dog are always consistent. This means that if you do not want your puppy sleeping on your leather sofa, do not ever allow him to sit upon it. Get those rules of the house established early, and you won’t find yourself working overtime to try to break your pet of the bad habits that have been allowed previously. As you teach the rules to your pup, make sure that you stay calm and controlled in dealing with your dog. If you find your pet continuously misbehaving, a “time out” in his crate will allow both of you a cool-down period and show your dog that his behavior is not acceptable.

Don’t Over Train or Over Praise

Since puppies do indeed have a short attention span, keep the focused training sessions short and to the point. Ten minutes a day of intense work with your dog will be sufficient to help your pet behave properly. As your dog obeys your commands during your dog behavior training time, a response of “Good dog” and a stroke to the head is sufficient praise for a job well done. Let your pet know by your expression, tone and touch that you are pleased with his obedience and then move on to your next dog behavior training point. Dogs will respond much better to this type of approach that allows them to focus more effectively on their training session.

The most important thing to remember with your dog behavior training session is that you always bring along plenty of patience. With time and some effort, your dog will become a welcome addition to your family and an enjoyable companion for you for many years to come.