- Crate Train: The crate can be instrumental in house training your puppy. There certainly are rules on how to best use the crate as a training tool. You should never leave your puppy in a crate for extended periods of time and you should never use the crate as punishment. The crate works by creating a den or safe haven for your puppy. Your puppy is unlikely to soil this area so the longer you can train him to be in his crate, the less likely he is to have accidents.
- Supervision is Key! Keep an eye on your puppy as much as possible. The more you can catch him just before he is about to relieve himself the quicker he will learn. Look for the signs and immediately grab him and take him outside (even if he has already started). You've got to be quick because your puppy can find a spot and urinate in 5 seconds.
- Praise! Praise! Praise! When you get your puppy outside praise him even if he finished on your new pair of shoes. Never scold your puppy for accidents.
- Enlist the Help of Others: You have your new puppy and everything is fine when you're not at work, but what happens when you have to leave for 8-10 hours a day? That's when Play Time Pet Care comes to save the day! We can help your little guy stick to a potty routine by visiting him a couple times per day. Not only does this reinforce your training techniques, but it allows your puppy some much needed play time out of his crate.
- Banish That Smell: When there are accidents immediately clean the area with a cleaner that gets rid of urine smells, not something that just masks it. Your pup will return to the same places to urinate if you don't.
Want some other potty training advice? Or need some help while you are at work? Give us a call, we are glad to help! 480-292-9735