Potty training a puppy is hard work and takes a lot of patience. If your puppy is not getting the hang of it as soon as you had hoped, you might feel pretty frustrated. However, you could be making mistakes without even realizing it. Here are five common puppy potty training mistakes you need to avoid:
Not Putting Your Puppy in a Crate
Putting your puppy in a crate while you are away from home might seem cruel, but it really is not. It is actually one of the most effective ways to house train your pooch. Your puppy will likely not go to the bathroom where it sleeps. Putting your furry family member in a crate will also prevent it from chewing on things and roaming around the house. To increase comfort, put a blanket and pillow in the crate.
Pushing Your Puppy's Nose Into a Mess
If your puppy has an accident in the house, you should never put its nose in the mess. This is not very effective, especially if you did not catch your puppy in the act. Pushing your puppy's nose into the mess can also make it scared and anxious.
Not Taking Your Puppy Out Often Enough
When your puppy is in the potty training phase, it is very important to take it out frequently. If your puppy is between six and twelve weeks old, The Housebreaking Bible recommends taking it out every hour. If your pooch is twelve to sixteen weeks old, aim to take it outside every two hours.
Feeding Your Puppy at Different Times
House training will be a lot simpler if you feed your puppy at the same times every day. If you put your pooch on a regular feeding schedule, it will likely have to go to the bathroom at the same times each day.
Never Rewarding Your Puppy
Rewarding your puppy after it does its business will reinforce the good behavior. If you do not want to give your puppy a treat every time, you can pet it on the head and say, "Good job."
House training can be difficult at times, but it does not have to be a complete hassle. If you avoid making these common potty training mistakes, the entire process will be a lot easier. However, if you still have trouble house training your puppy, you should ask a veterinarian, such as those at Munster Animal Hospital, for advice as soon as possible.
Share11 April 2016
