Pets and animals

 by: Mark Haakonsen

If you have just bought (or are considering buying) a new puppy, then one of your concerns will most likely be housetraining your new pet. Puppies, like babies have limited control of their bodily functions, so a simple training plan will need to be implemented from day one. The following guide will give you a quick start to housetraining your pet.

An important point to note about dogs is that by nature they are relatively clean animals, and they do not do their business around their sleeping or eating areas. In training your puppy, the key is to identify which are acceptable areas for your puppy to eliminate, and which are not.

One of the most common methods recommended for puppy housetraining is knows as “crate training”. Crate training involves setting up a cage or cordoned off area that will act as a living area (crate) for your puppy in which they can sleep, eat and play. The purpose of the crate is not to incarcerate your pup, but to create a distinct living area that your pup will be familiar with. Your pup should be taken outside to its designated bathroom at least every 2 hours. While dogs do not eliminate in their living areas, if you leave your puppy in the crate for too long, it will have no other choice. Young puppies may need to eliminate every 2 – 3 hours, so you will need to be attentive to your pup.

When you do take your pup outside for its business, be sure to use the same toilet area each time and you may also want to go outside via the same route. By following the same routine, it will become a habit for your pup to eliminate in the same place and much less likely for it to eliminate somewhere that is not so familiar. Over time you will become more familiar with your pup’s timing, and if you are always feeding your pup on a regular schedule, then it will also do its business on a regular schedule.

When you feel your puppy has adjusted to its toilet area and living area, you can slowly begin letting your pup into other parts of the house. However, do always leave open access to the toilet area, because if your pup can’t get there it will find another suitable spot which may be in the house. The occasional accident will occur, but its all part of the process.

Housetraining your puppy does require a little work and patience but the benefits are well worthwhile.

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