Bringing a new puppy home is a learning experience for everyone. The end goal is to train good habits and build a loving relationship based on trust. Puppies are a lot like children, they need consistency, patience and lots of positive reinforcement.
How long goes house training take?
It can take four to six months to fully house train your puppy, but some take even longer. Smaller breeds need to go outside more often than larger breeds, and your puppy’s previous living environment may have taught some bad habits you’ll need to break.
When do I start house training?
You should start house training as soon as you introduce the puppy to your home.
Easy house training steps
- Keep a strict feeding schedule and remove food between meals.
- Take your puppy outside after meals and naps.
- Make sure your puppy goes outside before bedtime and if you’re going out.
- Take your puppy to the same place every time.
- Every time your puppy goes outside for bladder or bowel movements, stay with them and give a reward and some praise.
How do I know when my puppy needs the loo?
Whining, circling, sniffing, barking and scratching at the door are signs that your puppy needs to go outside.
Accidents happen
Up to about a year old, accidents will happen. Don’t scold or punish your puppy, but rather continue with gentle training and reinforcing good behaviour. If you catch your puppy about to relieve itself inside, clap your hands to distract him/her and take the puppy outside. When cleaning up any accidents, you should choose an enzymatic cleaner rather an ammonia-based one. The scent of ammonia tends to draw the puppy back to the same spot next time.