Are you wondering what is the best way to potty train your puppy? You're in the right place! Housebreaking your dog is one of the most important steps you have to take in order to live a long and happy life with your dog. House soiling is among the top reasons why owners surrender their dogs to shelters, so it's extremely important to get started on the right foot. You definitely have to dedicate a lot of time and effort to your dog's learning in the beginning but it will pay off later on as your dog will reward you with excellent behavior and this will make your life much easier.
There are different ways you can potty train your puppy. In my opinion, neither of these methods is better or worse than the other one. I personally chose to train my dogs using frequent trips outdoors because I live in a house and did not want to deal buying with crates or papers but either of them will work just as well for you.
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Crate Training: The idea behind crate training is that dogs are very clean animals and don't like to urinate where they sleep or eat. At first your puppy might not really like the crate but it's your job to turn it into something positive by giving him toys, treats and food inside the crate. It should become his 'happy and safe place.' When your dog feels an urge to pee, he will let you know by whining or scratching. That's when you must take him to the place where you want him to pee. Make sure you take your puppy out of the crate right away because if you are late and he pees inside, he might get the idea that it is okay to pee and poo in her living space. It's very important that the crate is large enough for the dog to lie down, stand up and turn around, however it should NOT be too large so that he can use one side for peeing and pooping, and the other to do all his happy things. The crate size should be adjusted as your puppy grows.
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Frequent trips outdoors: This simply means that every time your dog has to pee or you catch him peeing, you correct him by taking him to the same spot outside. With repetition, your dog will understand that it is ok to pee or poo outside. You can encourage this positive behavior by petting him or treating him after he pees where you wanted him to. It's very important that you take him out to the same spot, it will make things much easier for you and your pet.
Training your puppy
Always keep an eye on your puppy so you can identify signs that tell you he needs to urinate.
If you have oversight and your dog does pees inside your house, in the wrong place, make sure you correct him right after he has finished peeing or if you catch him in the act. Don't correct him if you didn't see him doing it, he won't know what you're talking about or why you're mad. In this case just clean up the mess efficiently, leaving behind any odors will make you extremely frustrated as your dog will keep peeing in the same spot.
Regardless of your method, choose a place and make a schedule. Puppies have very tiny bladders so if you don't take him out, it is inevitable for him to pee. Everything does right through them, water and solid matter so make sure you take your puppy out constantly. If you want your puppy to learn, you must give him a true opportunity by taking him out every 30 minutes or so.
Positive reinforcement is a key part of a puppy's education, whether to go to the bathroom, not bark, eat its concentrate. When your dog does his needs at his own time and in the right place, reward him with a treat or by praising him. This will reinforce his behavior and motivate him to repeat it.
