If your dog has toilet training issues it can be an unpleasant and stressful time for both owners and dogs. Whether your dog seems to have gone back to puppy like habits or your new puppy thinks your entire house is his toilet - you should start training as soon as possible.
Having structured daily routine is great for toilet training. If a dog has set times for walking, sleeping, playing, eating, drinking etc their toilet habits are easier to regulate than with no routine. As a general rule, take your dog out for a toilet break after every meal, training session, drink, playtime, walk (if they did not go on the walk), sleep and every half an hour during toilet training. You need to stay with your dog while they are in their toilet area. If you are unable to take your dog out that often you should keep your dog confined somewhere that they have access to a toilet area. This could be a garden, newspapers on the floor or puppy pads (or a crate if your dog is crate trained). If your dog has an accident clean it up as soon as possible and with a proper dog safe disinfectant spray clean the area thoroughly. Dogs are likely to toilet in the same area if they can smell remains from a previous occasion. Crate Training can be a quick and clean way to help dogs and puppies with toilet training difficulties but crates are not essential. You may find limiting your dog to a certain room while unsupervised during the training stage works well. If you have a limited space or your dog or puppy has other issues such as destructive chewing you may find a crate is a safer option for your dog - you know that while in their pen unsupervised they are not in danger or eating or chewing something they shouldn't (e.g. electric cables are very attractive to some dogs). Being in the crate should be an enjoyable and relaxing space for your dog where they can unwind. NEVER use the crate as punishment. |
For more advice please contact Elite Dog Training to book a session
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