You’ve just welcomed a new fluffy friend into your home and your family has never been more joyful! Your days are filled with playing and snuggling, getting to know your new pup, and making them feel at home. Everything is heavenly- except, your new best friend has already peed on your shoes, your couch, and seemingly everywhere else in the house. Owning a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys, but one that comes with some hard work. Just like toddlers require potty training, your puppy will need to learn the rules about where they can and cannot go to the bathroom. Here are some helpful tips for making housebreaking easier on you and your puppy:
1) Set a schedule: At first, start by taking your puppy out every 2-3 hours. Make sure you take them out as soon as they wake up and whenever you return from going out. Be consistent and they will learn when to wait and when it’s time for a bathroom break.
2) Give treats and praise: Reward your puppy when they successfully wait until they’re outdoors to do their business. You can give them healthy treats, tell them a good job or offer their favorite toy.
3)Use words: Say the word “pee” whenever you go outside so that they begin to associate the command with being outdoors.
4) Don’t punish: Your puppy is just a baby and does not yet know any better. If you choose to use negative reinforcement, try clapping your hands or saying ‘no’ to let them know they’ve made a mistake. Punishment will only lead to your puppy finding secret spots inside to use as their toilet. If they do start peeing inside and you catch it, take them out right away.