Keys To Training Your Puppy

Puppyhood is the “formative” period for your dog. The things your puppy learns during this period will most likely stick with him the rest of his life. One of the most important 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.

If you can admit straight away that accidents will happen when it comes to your puppy, then you just may save a bit of sanity while dog potty training! You can help ease accidents by keeping some newspaper in a dedicated spot so that your pup can at least familiarize himself with going in one area if he can’t make it 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 earlier you get to know your puppy’s “eat/potty” routine, the easier potty-training will become. The most easy rule to go by is to remember that by the time you’ve fed or watered your pup, he will be ready to potty roughly 15 – 20 minutes later. If you can, try to have your puppy outside at this time so he will familiarize himself with the proper “potty surroundings”.

Be sure that you separate “potty time” from “play time.” Puppies love to explore–it’s natural and should be encouraged, but only when it’s the appropriate time. It can be extremely stressful to wait outside while your puppy plays, only to have an accident as soon as you bring him inside.

Puppyhood is a great time to begin using the praise and discipline techniques you intend to use throughout your dog’s life. a lot of people prefer the terms “good boy/girl” and “no,” which can be still be used when your dog is an adult. Although puppies need a lot of firmness, repetition, and routine remember that your puppy will soon grow up, so enjoy his puppyhood while you can!

Get more great tips like this at HelpYourPets.com - Puppy Steps and learn how to not only train your puppies but also protect them.