This apparently is the number one cause for puppies being taken to dog rescue charities. It is often difficult and often professional dog walkers such as London Dog Walking are often asked to help, so a key part of puppy care. The general consensus as to the best way to toilet train is to use a crate. Normally a breeder will use a cage or have used one and will often sell on the crate, as the puppy is used to it. This is based on the understanding that dogs do not like to mess their beds and in a cage would be forced to sleep in the mess.
Whilst in these confines the puppy will try to control their bladder. Young puppies from 8 weeks or so should last about 8 hours. During housebreaking, leave the pup inside the cage when he cannot be supervised, whilst you are say cooking. Just before to placing him into the crate or taking him out of the crate, take him outside so he can go to the toilet. There should never be any food or water in the cage, just a blanket and perhaps a toy to occupy his time. As time goes by and the puppy performs better, you can leave him more and more out of the cage.
The cage needs to have the right dimensions, enough floor area for him to lie down. But not so large he could urinate in a corner. The crate is essential for the dogs whole life, so to avoid replacing crated as he grows, buy one large enough for his full grown size, with a partition that you can move when needed.
The two alternatives to cage potty training a puppy are constant supervision, which in today’s busy life is too difficult for most people. This involves being with the puppy all the time, so you can be ready when you see his pre-potty pattern, such as sniffing the floor. Then taking him directly to his potty area, then bring him straight back, having him praise and verbal clues such as “good dog”. The pup needs to appreciate why he went outside was for the toilet, nothing else, do not confuse him.
The third alternative to toilet training is put down papers or pre-treated pads, encouraging the pup to use these papers, for practical reasons placed in the bathroom or utility room. The pads have chemicals to draw the pup. When you catch with their pre- potty behavior, pick them up calmly and take them to the papers. Praise them if they do the business. The problem with this method, is you have to transition them to doing this outside, by moving the papers closer to the door.
Toilet timing, generally, puppies need to go out, soon after waking and 30 or 40 mins after having been fed.
Sometimes puppies will spontaneously urinate when scared or excited, sometimes known as submissive urination. Do not punish them for this. If the puppy is liable to this, take them for a walk, before any excitement, like family coming. Or if visiting, take them for a walk, just before, or when you arrive. The puppy will normally grow out it after 4-8 months.
To support the potty training, as in dog training, you should to use verbal clues. Good ones are simple and distinctive. Everybody in the family or in contact with the dog, such as your dog walkers and the pet sitter need to use the same words. One or a maximum of two words.
Outside: For going outside, to go to the potty.
Use another word such as “play” if its for more of a fun activity, though he may go to the toilet when he is there.
Potty: Go to the toilet.
Good Dog: For praise – any.
No: When the puppy is doing anything wrong, such as going in the wrong area, or inside.
Two rules:
1. Always praise success.
2. Do not punish him, if you do not catch him in the act of doing something wrong. He will have no idea why you are punishing him.
If you see the puppy in the act of urinating inside, carry him to the place, will often stop him, as well as reinforcing what he should be doing.
