Housetraining your puppy requires patience and consistency
My-Dog.info > Getting a Dog or Puppy
The key to effective housetraining is consistency. Unless an
owner is prepared to devote a certain amount of time, effort, and
patience, all efforts are doomed to failure.
In order to simplify housetraining, the puppy should be fed on
a schedule rather than free choice. Puppies, as do most animals,
possess a reflex called the gastro-colic reflex. Put simply, when
a pup eats a meal, its stomach is stimulated, which in turn
stimulates its lower bowels. This is why they usually feel the
need to defecate after eating.
As a result of this reflex, veterinarians recommend that
puppies be fed at regular scheduled times (preferably three times
daily). Knowing that they will likely need to relieve themselves
after eating, the pet owner can then take them outside after a
meal. Allowing them access to food all day long makes more work
for owners since they then have to be prepared to take their pet
out every time it eats.
It is also important to take a puppy out, rather than let it
out on its own. Being present to praise it when it does the right
thing is crucial to the training process. The puppy should be
taken out after each meal, as well as the first thing in the
morning and the last thing at night. Other times include after
naps, if the pup has been alone for a while, and when it gives
“ that look” Some puppies will signal that they wish to
go outside by circling around, sitting or whining at the door, or
looking anxiously up at the owner.
Most importantly, praise a puppy when it is successful.
Outdoors, pick one or two toilet areas that the dog can associate
with toilet functions and when it defecates or urinates, praise
it lavishly. In this way, it will associate eliminating outdoors
with receiving praise.
Finally, do not punish accidents. If accidents should occur in
the house, do not raise your voice, spank the puppy, rub its nose
in its accident, or otherwise draw attention to the accident. It
will only make matters worse. Instead, ignore the mess, remove
the puppy from the scene, and then clean up the mess out of sight
of the puppy. Should the puppy be caught in the act, immediately
take it outdoors (to the toilet area if possible), let it finish
and then praise it.
If these tips are followed consistently, housetraining should
take no longer than one-to-two weeks. If it takes longer, consult
your veterinarian for more advice.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
