Training your puppy to eliminate in one place may seem obvious to us, but for your puppy it is a complicated task! And it’s not just about doing the physical part well, they first have to understand what you’re asking of them! Dog scientist Joke Monteny knows better than anyone how we can help our pups learn to relieve themselves in one place Service Dog Training. Would you like to know her advice? Lets start by the beginning…
From birth
When a dog gives birth, it is up to her to stimulate the feces of her litter and lick the puppies until they are clean. In about four weeks, a puppy will be able to poop on his own. A step in the right direction! But that doesn’t mean he controls his bladder and bowels… If you watch a puppy this age, you’ll notice that he doesn’t control when and where he relieves himself. Your task as his new figure (or Fantastic Pet Parent) is to help him on this mission!
Put yourself in your puppy’s shoes
Before starting this mission, put yourself in your puppy’s shoes. How does a dog experience toilet training and what issues are important to him?
Where do I feel safe?
Is the place where I relieve myself quiet and familiar?
Is the path to get there safe? Are there any obstacles?
Can I get there quickly? Because I won’t be able to hold on for long.
Does the surface look familiar?
If I’m playing, I have other priorities before going to the bathroom.
Your puppy will identify that spot with the surface he used to relieve himself when he was between five and nine weeks old. If it was a sheet of newspaper or a mat, it is completely normal for him to pee on your newspaper or on the doormat in front of your door… And there is no point in punishing him for these mistakes; You have to give him time and space to learn.
First things first: choose the ideal location
Step 1 : Find a good location to eliminate, where your dog can be safe and calm.
Step 2 : Put yourself in your puppy’s shoes again. That quiet area of ??grass in front of your house seems like the ideal place, especially if other dogs also use it. However, remember that all those other dog smells can distract your pup, and even pose a threat to him. Maybe the garden, which you already know after a few days, is a better place?
Step 3 – See if your puppy can walk to this spot on his own. Many puppies do not like to be picked up all the time. So if you can make sure he can get there quickly, you’ll be halfway there.
Is it time for a pee break?
Life would be so much easier if your puppy could pee when you asked him to. Unfortunately, the reality is very different. Still, there are some times during the day when your pup needs to go:
After eating, drinking, sleeping and playing. With small puppies, you want them to pee every half hour during the day (unless you have extra pads).
If your puppy is restless or walking in circles, play it safe and show him the way to relieve himself.
Additionally, puppies cannot go without relieving themselves all night. If the puppy gets up, is restless or barks, you should pay attention to him.
And if you feed him at the same times, you will be able to better calculate when he needs to go.
Does he deserve an award?
Your puppy has arrived at its destination. Stay with him while he relieves himself and, when he’s done, let him know that you are very happy with a kind word, or with our tasty snacks! This way, he’ll know how proud you are of him.
Your puppy needs help understanding the concept of relieving himself in a specific place. This is a complicated process, and you will undoubtedly make mistakes. However, punishments are pointless as they will make your puppy feel insecure and do not help him in the learning process. If he is having a lot of accidents, it may be a good idea to rethink your approach and study why things are going wrong. Health problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections can make the learning process difficult. Additionally, stress and anxiety can also hinder the process. In short, for training to go well, your puppy needs to be in good shape, both physically and mentally.
Every puppy is unique, so some will learn faster than others. But remember that the more difficult it is for your puppy, the more help he will need from you. With lots of patience, reliable routines, and your help, your puppy will get there. Good luck!