Being a dog owner isn’t something you become when you get a dog; you need enough experience to become one.
During dog’s life you are the one that is in charge of its training and basic needs. In a way, dog sees you as a provider who is there to take care of him. It is seemingly an easy task but most people get it wrong on the first try. Unless they read an article such as this and get educated ahead of time.
In this particular case, I will discuss some basic requirements you have to meet when potty training your puppy.
What is puppy potty training?
On the surface, potty training seems as a pretty straightforward procedure.
You need to teach your puppy how to relieve itself outside of the house. And that’s it!
But the road that leads you there is thorny. Not only do you have to do it properly and get quick results, you also need to do it in a way that doesn’t “damage” your dog and creates a good basis for further future training.
So, what are the most important things you have to know?
- You are the one controlling the process, not the dog
- You are the authority or parental figure, if you will
- You are the one that needs to be patient and persistent
When we talk about control of the process, it is up to you to set up an example.
Puppies are like small children and if you let them, they will walk all over you. This is why you always have to have last word. However, this needs to be done in a proper manner.
You see, a lot of dog owners think that discipline is instilled with force. That can be true but it does have a devastating impact on animal. Instead, you need to take a gentle approach. Dogs can feel your emotions and can feel when you’re angry so they will respond accordingly. In most cases that will be more than enough.
Second on the list is being an authoritative figure.
Although small puppies are partially intimidated by you and are mostly obedient, you still need to become an authority in their eyes. This means that you are he ne that needs to be at the forefront leading the charge. Dogs are pack animals and they will always look up to their leader. If you set yourself as one, any training will be easy.
Lastly, I need to mentioned patience and persistence.
Here, I am mainly referring to training process. Whatever you do, you need to do it constantly and in the same manner. Puppy should never receive mixed messages because it can be confusing ultimately affecting its training and the way dog understand commands. This is something that might happen with families that previously didn’t have a dog and are taking turns doing the training.
Cool tips
Here are some great tips that will help you out during the process:
- Make sure to be ready for dog’s needs. If the puppy needs to go out, you need to anticipate it and even act prior to that. You already have to be outside when it needs to relieve itself
- Do not excite your puppy if it has full bladder. It will easily start peeing
- Puppy will naturally start peeing around an apartment marking its territory. Make sure to explain that this is not acceptable
- If you don’t have time to take your dog out, you can put it in a makeshift kennel. Given that dogs will never pee or poo there this will buy you some time
- Dog usually needs to pee at least 3-5 times a day. This depends on the breed and bigger breeds will have to do it more often. If you don’t have enough spare time and you’re not quite sure which breed to get, this can help you make a decision
- Dogs always like to play when they go outside. Puppy will constantly try to go out. He may even trick you it needs to pee. But make sure not to allow it and make a difference between need and fun activity