It is always a fun and exciting time when you get a new puppy. Puppies melt your heart with their adorable antics and their cute faces but as every new puppy owner soon finds out there is one difficult aspect that they all must deal with and that is puppy house training.
House training a puppy can be frustrating and difficult at times. But we all need to remember that a puppy is still just a baby. He has not yet learned how to restrain himself and until he reaches the age where he has some of the control he will need you to be patient and loving as you spend quality time with him teaching him what is acceptable.
A young puppy that is less than 15 weeks of age might need to go outside as often as 2-3 times per hour. A puppy that is playing hard will also need to go out more frequently because playing makes urine. Remind yourself that your puppy is still not at the age where he can control himself so any accidents at this point are not his fault but rather yours for not getting him outside more often.
The most important aspect to puppy house training is to be consistent. Use the same commands, take him to the same potty place and give him the same praise and treats. Your puppy will learn fast if you consistently do things the same way but change anything up and he may get confused. Puppies respond well to consistency.
As you are housetraining your puppy you will need to make sure that the situation is as positive as can be for your puppy. If he ever has any fear of your reactions or if he ever feels fear that he is doing it wrong your house training efforts will take more time. Your puppy wants to please you and if he does not know how to do that it will take more time for him to learn about potty training.
It is unlikely that you will be able to be with your puppy all the time so when you need to be away from your puppy you should put him in a crate. Puppies and dogs are natural den animals and they crave a small home of their own. Also, puppies will rarely soil their own space so a crate will assist you in teaching your puppy how to control himself.
The most crucial aspects of puppy house training are to be consistent and positive. Make sure that you take your puppy outside frequently, especially at first. Always use just one spot for his potty place and use consistent commands. Give him lots of praise for completing his chore and make sure that the experience is not a scary one for him.
It should take just a few short weeks to complete your puppy house training. Doing it right will serve you for the whole time that you own your dog so be consistent and positive and you will be able to enjoy many happy years with your new puppy.
