Toilet training? Doesn't this sound intriguing? We all know when you welcome a little bundle of a furball, this is not the first thing on your mind. But when you bring an adult dog or a puppy, you want to instil some habits to create a bond and make them comfortable at your house because, of course, they also become your family.
Puppies are born without the ability to control their bladder or bowels. It is our job, as their owners, to teach them where to go to the bathroom. The process is called "toilet training" or "housebreaking."
There are different ways that you can toilet train your dog. The method that you use will depend on a number of factors, including your dog's age, breed, and personality.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when toilet training your dog:
1. Puppies have small bladders and need to go frequently. Plan to take your puppy out every few hours, as well as first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after meals.
2. Choose a word or phrase to use when you take your dog out to the potty. This will be your dog's "cue" that it is time to go.
3. Be patient! It takes time for puppies to learn where they should go to the bathroom. Reward your puppy for good bathroom habits with treats, praise, and attention.
When you're house training your puppy, remember to keep consistency and positivity. It will typically take 4-6 months for a puppy to be trained, or it might take a year. But if you are consistent and keep giving them rewards, they'll learn.
The first thing is WHEN & WHY should you start training?
According to Team Caninkart, puppies pick up toilet training between the ages of 8 and 17 weeks.
The answer to why is simple.
They will be able to enjoy themselves with you in the house. You would be able to take them to your friend's houses. You will also be able to travel with them on longer routes. And they won't urinate anywhere.
How to TRAIN your dog in the house?
STEP 1 - LOOK OUT FOR THE PEE SIGNALS- If you see your pup doing either of these following things, swiftly but smoothly capture their attention and take them outside.
Signals can be like: Walking, breathing heavily, rolling, moaning, growling or general anxiety. Snuffing the area, lowered body pose, bending to the ground or squatting. Going to the door.
Some can be obvious, so don't worry. If they, by any chance, pee, clean it with an enzymatic cleaner and warm water. We wouldn't recommend your regular household disinfectants as they carry ammonia, and the odour may stimulate your dog to run to the toilet in the same space again. Don't punish your dogs but just sound stern when they do wrong.
STEP 2 – FIGURE OUT WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PEE- Observe the sort of surface your dog prefers for the toilet. You can observe it at the start, or you can ask the rescue centre or breeder. Different surfaces can be Paper, Cement, Gravel, Puppy pads, Towels and Carpets.
Since puppies have a small bladder, they have to be taken out after 30 minutes to 1 hour. Always take them to the same place they urinate And stick to the same routine.
And while at home, set them in the selected toilet spot and guide point them to the area and say 'go to the toilet' (or anything that acts as a command phrase.
After they have peed on the designated place, praise them or give them a treat but don't overfeed them.
STEP 3 - ESTABLISH A ROUTINE- Consistency is essential when being with a dog and building good habits. A specific routine will improve your dog's confidence. Get in confidence and feel more secure, which will make them less anxious and, therefore, less likely to go to the toilet in the wrong place. While your dog is building up their bladder control, we would recommend taking your dog out around the following times:
When they get up in the morning and after naps throughout the
After an activity like playtime or running around.
Before sleeping
Set up consistent feeding times for your dog and keep a check when they drink water.
What do you need to TRAIN your puppy?
Spray Cleaner:
You can use a spray that can take urine off. Make sure the product is a recommended product for removing pet urine odour and stain removal. In the past, pet urine smell and spots were almost difficult to eliminate. Now, with products that come with a name like Urine Off, you can forever eliminate your pet's urine smell and stains from any surface.
Training Pads:
You can go for Training Pads that are easily available on the market. Puppy Training Pads help in worry-free training of the pup. These pads act as an alternative to outdoor peeing for adult pets as well. Locks in the wetness ensure maximum absorption and 100% waterproof, non-slip back sheet. Pet training pads are super absorbent and are a non-woven fabric that keeps the top layer dry and clean. With these pads, you train yourself easily and comfortably.
Toilet training shouldn't be stressful.
Just stay positive and keep all the necessary toilet equipment handy. Happy Training!
For more information on toilet training, visit Caninkart: an online pet store (best online pet store india)