Toilet Training
You are here:First months at home
A puppy’s toilet habits can seem completely out of control when they first arrive home, and this isn’t far from the truth. Your puppy has limited bladder control when they are young so it’s up to us to teach them where to go ‘wee wees’!
Step 1
In your household agree on a command word for going to the toilet. This could be as simple as ‘toilet’, ‘wee wees’ or if you prefer…. ‘business’!
Step 2
Recognise the signs from your puppy when they need to go to the toilet. This tends to be heavy sniffing, circling or pacing the floor.
Step 3
Keep constant watch! Make a rota in the household if needs be, the consistency factor is crucial to your puppy’s success. Once you notice the signs encourage your dog to go outside and give their code word.
Step 4
As soon as your puppy goes to the toilet create a huge fuss with lots of cuddles, praise and reward with a treat.
Step 5
Over time your puppy will learn to go to the back door to let you know they need to go outside.
KEY TIMES YOUR PUPPY IS LIKELY TO NEED TO GO OUTSIDE
First thing in the morning
After eating their nourishing bowlful
After playtime
After one of their numerous naps
When a visitor arrives (from excitement!)
Top Tips
DON’T PUNISH WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
Avoid telling your puppy off when they have an accident inside. This will only lead to them then hiding when going to the toilet inside and then you won’t know where to clean up.
Be patient
Be patient with your puppy when outside, it’s best not to engage with them whilst waiting for them to ‘do their business’ outside. Keep all play for the celebration when they do go!
Clean up quickly
Use an enzyme cleaner for the accidents inside. Cleaning up quickly and well will remove all scent from the area so your puppy hopefully won’t associate that corner in the room as their toilet area.
