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Training a Puppy

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Housebreaking a puppy can be frustrating and seem daunting at times but if done consistently once the puppy is 5 months old it should be fully housebroken with no accidents. The first few weeks of housetraining the puppy are the hardest as well as the most crucial. Puppies do not have control of their bladders until they reach 12 weeks old. So it is likely that young puppies under 12 weeks old can not realize they have to go until they can’t wait any longer. There are signs that owners need to look for to indicate that their puppy needs to use the bathroom. Such as whining and sniffing the ground while moving in a circle. The puppy is using its natural instinct to smell for urine or feces to find a place to go since dogs prefer to go in places that have already been “used”. Taking a puppy out frequently whether or not it appears to need to go is also key in housetraining a puppy. Before even letting the puppy inside the house for the first time when bringing it home it should be taken to the area of the yard that will be used for it to go to the bathroom. This should be the spot where the puppy is brought to use the bathroom each time it is taken out. It is also a good idea to carry the puppy outside rather than letting it walk to ensure it doesn’t have an accident before making it outside. The puppy should be rewarded each time it successfully uses the restroom outside. On the flip side, effective discipline for accidents should be sternly telling the puppy “no” or “no, no, you potty outside”. Playtime is also a great follow up activity for a puppy after going out to use the bathroom. A schedule will make the training process go smoother as well. For instance, taking the puppy outside first thing in the morning and after it eats or wakes up from a nap are crucial since all are main times a puppy will have to use the restroom. Puppies should be taken outside at least every two hours.

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