It normally takes 5-6 months for a puppy to be completely house trained. However, some puppies may take up to a year or even more. Size and puppy’s previous living conditions can work as predictors. For example, toy breeds have smaller bladders and greater digestion rate and need trips often outside. Also, you may see that your puppy had been following wrong habits and you might need to help break the old ones in order to form more desired ones.
And while you train him, don’t lose your calm if there are obstacles. As long as you carry on with a disciplined schedule and offer him rewards for being obedient, he’ll learn. This will also include taking your puppy out as soon as he indicates that he needs to go.
Beginning To House Train A Pup
Specialists advise that you start house training your puppy when he is around 12 weeks to 16 weeks old. At this age, he has required control over his bladder and viscera movements. It’s the proper age for him to learn to hold it.
When you bring home an adult dog or a puppy who is older than 12 weeks, house training will take longer than usual. It is probable that he’s been eliminating in a cage and maybe eating his poop too. You will have to help him get rid of the older habits before reshaping his behavior. Slowly, with encouragement and reward, he’ll learn.
The Steps Involved In Housetraining
Experts suggest making the puppy habitual to a defined space and time. Before welcoming a pup, select a spot for him to eliminate. This space could be somewhere in the backyard, or some other suitable place in a nearby park or garden. Just like humans, puppies don’t like to poop near the areas they eat or sleep so it’s important for them to go outside. Initially, it is also important to confine them to a den, room or leash. As your puppy learns to go outside to eliminate, you can allow him to roam about the house.
Follow these steps when you start the house training sessions:
- Form a regular feeding schedule for your puppy and do away with his habit of eating between meals.
- The first thing in the morning that you should do is- take puppy out to poop and follow the activity once every 2 to 3 hours. It is also important to always take him outside when he wakes from a nap and after every meal. Make sure he goes out before going to bed at night and before he’s left alone to roam about in the house.
- Take your puppy to the same spot that you’ve selected for his elimination each time to poop. Later, the scent will attract him to go to the same spot every time.
- Don’t leave him alone outside, stay with him until he’s well trained.
- When your pup chooses to eliminate at the same spot outside, praise him or reward him with a treat.
House Train Your Puppy Using A Crate
At least in the short term, a crate or den can be a great tool for house training your puppy. It will let you keep a watch on him for indicators that he needs to go. With the help of a crate, you can teach him to control it until you open the door and let him outside.
Here are a few guiding principles for using a crate:
- Ensure that the crate is big enough for the pup to stand, lie down, and turn around. It should not be big enough for him to mistake a corner for a toilet.
- If you are using the crate for more than three hours at a stretch, be sure puppy has enough water; preferably attach a dispenser to the crate.
- If you can’t stay at home during the house training period, hire somebody else (preferably a pet-sitter) who lets him out for a break in the middle of the day for the first 9-10 months.
- Avoid using a crate if the puppy is eliminating in it. This could be because of his previous bad habits from the shelter or pet store where he came from or he may not be getting ample time outside; the crate may be too big; or maybe he’s too young to control it in.
Indicators That He Needs To Go
Circling, sniffing, whining, or, barking or scratching at the door when unconfined, are all indicators that he needs to eliminate. Take him outside, right away!
House Training Obstacles
It is all right for a young puppy to accidently drop on the floor because they have less ability to hold in. In such a condition, you will have to be tolerant. Accidental droppings are common in puppies up to a year old. The reasons behind these could range from incomplete house training to a change in the puppy’s living atmosphere.
Keep on training even if your puppy does have an accident. If the home-training still doesn’t seem to be working, consult a professional trainer or a vet to chalk down a medical issue.
Do’s and Don’ts While House Training
Keep the do’s and don’ts mentioned below in mind while housetraining your puppy:
- Punishing your puppy for accidental droppings is an absolute no-no. This will teach your puppy to fear you and you’ll never have a close bond together.
- If you catch your puppy dropping on the floor, clap loudly or yell ‘NO’ so he knows he’s done something wrong. Then take him outside to the spot by calling him and when he’s done, praise him or give him a small treat.
- Spending more time outside with the puppy may help to curb accidents as he may need the extra time to associate the spot with elimination.
- Clean up accidents with a fragrant enzymatic cleanser to reduce odors that might attract your puppy back to the same spot.
Between two and four months of age, most puppies figure out the concept of toilet training quite easily since it is the perfect age for them to learn new things and get rid of their old habits. House training could be a time-taking process but in the end, it will all be worth all the effort.
