Keys To Training Your Puppy
Puppyhood is the “formative” period for your dog. What you teach him during this time will most likely stick with him the rest of his life. One of the most imperative things to get started is to train dogs to potty outside.
Developing a routine early on in your puppy’s life is a sure way to ease the strain that the potty training process can entail. Try starting out by getting your pup used to a particular life routine. This includes working up a schedule of sleeping, eating, and potty time. Make sure that you keep the schedule constant, such as feeding him at a certain time every day and taking him outside 15 minutes after.
A good way to save your sanity is to admit right off the bat that your puppy will have accidents, and the sooner you understand this, the easier your dog potty training will be. You can help lessen accidents by storing some newspaper in a constant spot so that your pup can at least familiarize himself with an acceptable alternative when he is unable to go outside. This works particularly well if you don’t have a “doggy door” and your dog has to depend upon you to take him outside.
The sooner you get to know your puppy’s “eat/potty” schedule, the easier potty-training will become. A good rule to go by is to estimate that your pup will be ready for a trip outside around 15 – 20 minutes after he has been fed/watered. This rule works very well if you can manage to have your puppy outside the proper potty surroundings at the time you expect he needs relief.
Be sure that you separate “potty time” from “play time.” As it is natural for puppies to want to explore, you should only encourage them at the appropriate times. Nothing is more frustrating than to be up at 2 am with your puppy running around the yard for twenty minutes, only to potty as soon as you get back inside.
Puppyhood is a great time to begin using the praise and discipline techniques you intend to use throughout your dog’s life. Many people prefer the terms “good boy/girl” and “no,” which can be still be used when your dog is older. Although puppies need a lot of firmness, repetition, and routine remember that your puppy will soon grow up, so enjoy his young, eager activity while you can!
Learn more tips like this at HelpYourPets.com - Puppy Steps and while you are training your puppy learn how to protect him from injury also.
