Having a dog is a big responsibility but it doesn't need to be a big struggle. Our tips and tricks to house training your pup are Consistency, Patience, and Positive Reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is rewarding good behaviors to encourage their repetition. For dogs, this may mean telling them they are a good dog or giving them a treat. It can also mean a long walk or playtime. Typically with consistent and patient training, it can take about 4-6 months to a year for your pup to be fully house trained and free roam in your home.
Look out for these signs.
- Barking
- Scratching at the door or gate
- Squatting
- Restlessness or pacing
- Sniffing
- Circling
Best times for pup to do their business.
- As soon as they wake up
- During and after a play session
- Any time they eat or drink
- After a nap
- After they've been in their crate
- Last thing before bed
Puppies and older dogs who aren't house trained can't hold their pee and poop for longer than 3-4 hours. If your puppy does have an accident in the house, don't yell at or punish them. It may make them afraid of you or not want to go potty with you there.