So, you've brought home your adorable new puppy, and you're picturing a future of long walks and cuddles on the sofa. But the reality is a little... wetter... than you imagined. House training is often the biggest challenge for new puppy owners, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can set your puppy up for success and have them house-trained in no time.
Mistake #1: Not Taking Them Out Often Enough
As a general rule, a puppy can hold their bladder for one hour for every month of their age. That means your 2-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours! It's crucial to take them out first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after every meal, nap, and play session.
Mistake #2: Punishing Accidents
It's tempting to scold your puppy when you find a puddle on the floor, but this is one of the worst things you can do. Punishing your puppy will only teach them to fear you and to hide when they need to go to the toilet. Instead, if you catch them in the act, simply interrupt them with a clap of your hands and immediately take them outside. If you find the accident after the fact, just clean it up and resolve to be more vigilant.
Mistake #3: Not Cleaning Up Properly
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. If you don't clean up accidents properly, your puppy will be drawn back to the same spot again and again. Use an enzymatic cleaner, which is specifically designed to break down the proteins in urine and eliminate the odor.
Mistake #4: Giving Them Too Much Freedom
When you're not able to supervise your puppy, it's essential to confine them to a small, puppy-proofed area, such as a crate or a gated-off section of your kitchen. This will prevent them from having accidents all over the house and will help them learn to hold it.
Mistake #5: Not Rewarding Success
When your puppy eliminates in the correct spot, make a huge fuss! Praise them enthusiastically and give them a high-value treat. This will help them understand that they've done the right thing and will make them more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Your Simple House Training Plan
- Frequent Potty Breaks: Take your puppy out every 1-2 hours.
- Praise and Reward: Make a big deal out of successful potty trips.
- Manage the Environment: Supervise your puppy closely and use a crate or gates when you can't.
- Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner.
- Be Patient and Consistent: Accidents will happen. Stay positive and stick to the plan.
Need a little extra help?
House training can be frustrating, but you don't have to go through it alone. With our "Trainer in your Pocket" service, you can get real-time advice and support from a qualified trainer, right on your phone. For just £19 a month, we'll help you create a personalized house training plan and troubleshoot any problems along the way.