Have a new puppy? I was interviewed on WCPO’s Cincy Lifestyle show about tips for housetraining your puppy. Below are four puppy training tips for potty training, and below that is a video of the interview.
Written out, these are 4 tips:Manage: Prevent practice of unwanted choices. When indoors, unless your puppy is near you and being actively supervised, engaged with you or a toy, it is best to have your puppy in a crate or other confinement space.
Anticipate: Feed your puppy on a schedule. Take your puppy to the outside toilet area frequently to eliminate outside. Also, always take your puppy outside after waking up, after eating and drinking, after activity, and when it begins sniffing for a spot.
A general rule for how long a puppy can go between eliminations is 1+ the puppy’s age in months. (Note that is a general rule. Get to know your puppy.)
Reinforce: Take your puppy quickly to the chosen spot, be still and give your puppy a few minutes to eliminate. Young puppies may empty themselves a couple times before being finished. After finishing, immediately reinforce your puppy with something of value.
Mistakes Happen: If your puppy begins to eliminate in front of you, calmly interrupt and take your puppy outside. Do not punish your puppy. Clean the spot with an enzymatic cleaner and plan to improve management practices to prevent future mistakes.