Your new puppy is going to require a lot of training. The first thing on your list is going to be house training. There is more than one way to go about it, but the two most popular are pee pad training and crate training. If you choose pee pad, here are a few things to keep in mind to help with quick and successful learning.
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Setting Up Your Puppy’s Space
Keep your puppy in a limited, enclosed space and cover the floor with pee pads. This helps them associate pee/poop with the pad. Eventually, if they are not in the enclosure, they will seek out the pad rather than use the floor or carpet. The pad will be familiar territory for doing their business.
Learning to Go Outside
When you take him out of the enclosure, be sure to put his leash on and take him directly outside. The leash restricts his range and limits the number of distractions that might keep him from peeing. Take note of pee/poop habits. Many dogs have a little routine than they do before they go. Some will spin in circles; others will have a specific posture (i.e. tail position, hind quarters lowered) that they assume as they are looking for the perfect spot. Get to know your dog’s unique routine so that you recognize it later, when he tries to tell you he has to go out. Once he is done, come back in so he knows that outside is for peeing. Once your pup is trained you can spend play time outside. For now, it is just a big potty.
Indoor Play Time
While your pup is in the house, but out of the enclosure, keep a close eye on his every move. Look for the routine that you have identified as “the potty dance”, and have the leash ready to go out when you see it happening or be ready to put him in the enclosure to let him use the pad.
Mistakes Will Happen
If an accident happens, do not scold. Just take your puppy outside to show him that this is where he should have gone. Many suggest taking the “evidence” with you so that he associates it with something that belongs outside. This does not mean you should have him sniff it or rub his nose in it, just put it down in the area where he usually pees so that he makes a connection.
As Your Doggo Progresses
As your puppy’s ability to hold his bladder becomes stronger, you can leave him out of the enclosure for longer. Once he is showing signs of seeking out the enclosure when he has to pee or poop, you can remove the enclosure and eventually reduce the number of pads being used until you no longer need them.
Pee Pads for Everyday Use
Some families, especially those who live in multi-story apartments or condos or work unusually long hours, may choose to keep the pads to use when they just can’t get out. In this case, have a designated space for the pads as this will provide consistency. You may also want to get a more durable pad or potentially choose to use an indoor turf as an alternative to be sure the adult pup’s urine volume will be absorbed without damaging your floor.
Whatever method you use, please be patient and consistent. This will reduce the pressure and stress on your puppy and will increase your chances of success.
Happy training!
