Housetraining your new puppy

Housetraining your new pup should begin on the very first day it comes home with you. Most breeds pick it up very quickly. It is usually the biggest concern that new owners have, but once your puppy is housetrained you forget that it ever was an issue.

*It is useful to confine your puppy to a crate for example which immediately makes it feel secure as if it is in its mother's warm den and this usually stops the toileting reflex.

*Be consistent by taking your puppy out at 1-2 hourly intervals on the spot that you expect him to go. Use a command and then reward him when he does go with praise, pats and even a titbit. Having a command to go on helps when your dog is older and can be given the command to go in bushes or non public areas if you are out on walks. Otherwise you just have to scoop the poop!

*Play with him once he has been which is even more of a reward before returning indoors. Your puppy will need to go relatively soon after eating so take him out and play a little until he goes.

*Do not feed your puppy after 6pm to stop him going overnight. Puppies usually need 3-4 meals as their tummies are so little so expect a fair number of toileting sessions too!

*Never scold your puppy if he messes indoors as this leads to negative associations, fear and evencoprophagia (eating own faeces).

*Do not get your puppy used to going on newspaper. Start him on an area you want him to carry on using such as grass.

*If you have acquired an adult dog that needs housetraining, apply the same steps as a puppy.

*Feed a good quality food (they are usually more expensive) as your dog will produce less faeces on a good diet.

*Place the foodbowl on the spot that your adult dog has messed on indoors - this is the best deterrent to stop him going indoors again!

*Also ensure you clean the area very well to remove odours. Use a solution of a biological washing powder.

*Exercise is the best way to get his bowels moving.

*Be consistent and patient and you will have your pet housetrained in no time.

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