First things first, remember that your pup is just as new to this whole toilet training business as you are, and the first few days can be a tad overwhelming. Think of you and your puppy as an elite toilet training team who can get this done together!
While you should try to start toilet training your puppy as soon as you get home, it takes time and patience, and every puppy is different. They will each have their own quirks – just like humans do.
Watch out for these signs – it could mean fewer accidents!
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Sniffing around
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Fidgeting
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Whining or pacing
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Chewing on something for a while and suddenly ditching it for something new.
Pick a spot outside where you'd like your pup to do their business. When you see any of the signs, whisk them over to their designated outdoor zone. It's like taking them to their own bathroom – and doing it quickly is important so that they connect the dots between what they are feeling and going to their 'spot'.
It’s also important to take your puppy out at certain times:
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After waking up from a nap
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After eating
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After playtime
Puppies have small bladders and can’t hold on for that long, so give them plenty of opportunities to go (this will change as they get older). Early on, it's a smart move to take your puppy out more frequently, so set an hourly timer and when it buzzes, scoop up your fur baby and whisk them off to their ‘bathroom’! Be patient, though, they might not launch into action instantly. Give them a moment, but don't turn it into playtime (however tempting this might be – they are so cute!).
If they don't go, don’t worry – just take them back inside and try again a little later. But if they do – praise them as if they’ve just won the puppy Olympics. Happy words, gentle pats, tummy rubs, treats and maybe even a mini dance party!
Accidents will happen!
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Puppy toilet training can be a bit of a roller coaster, so don’t get angry or punish your pup for having an accident. Don’t make a fuss, just quietly clean it up.
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If you notice your dog is about to go in the wrong spot, guide them to the right spot and dish out lots of praise when they get it right.
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Positive reinforcement is like a magic wand in potty training. Your pup will link doing their business in the right place with getting a friendly chat, a little patting session, a tummy rub, or even a fun game.
Remember:
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No two puppies are the same – they’ll learn at their own pace.
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It does take time and patience to toilet train a puppy, but it’s also a great opportunity to bond with your new fur baby.
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For effective training, keep it fun and don’t forget to dish out the treats and praise.
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Make sure your puppy has plenty of opportunities to go outside and reward them immediately after going to the toilet in the appropriate area.
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