POTTY TRAINING.

     Puppies are inquisitive and eager to learn, consistency is the keys to successfully potty training. In the beginning your puppy most likely will not be fully vaccinated. It is very important that you have a safe place for your puppy to potty. Make sure this area is free and clear of fecal contamination from any unvaccinated animals. The Parvo virus that is shed in feces is oil like coated cell that is very hardy and can live through weather for a long time. Although you may not see feces the virus can still be present. The cell attaches to the puppies pads and can be transmitted to their mouth by chewing on their paws, chewing toys they hold with their paws or simply chewing grass. Your fenced in back yard will be great if only your pets can enter and they are vaccinated as well.

     Start with only calling the act one or two words "go potty”, “outside". "go tt". More than a couple words can be confusing and different words each time can be as well. Make sure that all persons involved agree on the action words. Consistently hearing this will alert him to put the act with the words. When you see him in the act of voiding in a pleased voice tell him good boy "go potty" good boy "outside". Soon he will learn to put the act with the words and what it means as well as the "good boy" and pleased tone is a thing that makes you happy. These dogs are normally very intelligent and learn your tones, expressions and actions. They get their feelings hurt but forgive you very quickly as you should them.

     Treats are great given for rewards but remember they add up quick. You can take one small treat and break it into several pieces. Give a small piece at a time it is just as effective as giving a full treat. I don't recommend starting out with giving treats for potty rewards as it will be expected and will be the focus of the action. A simple good boy potty added to a smile and big rub down is highly effective.

     Several trips outside a day are needed to learn quickly. Try the same area, same times and for sure after each meal and big drink of water. Poop scooping is important as coccid can grow and cause diarrhea, but while potty training it helps to leave a fresh piece of poop in the yard area you want him to go. It acts as a reminder to create this habit. If you see your puppy sniffing around ,walking in circles, or quickly walking in a confused manner it's time to get his attention with the call words and head for the potty place.

    Sleeping in a kennel is great for potty training and it gives him a place to feel like belongs to just him. Most dogs love their kennels despite those that think its cruel. My dogs love their "houses" and often go take a nap in them with the door open at their own choice. The kennel is best to only be big enough for them to lie down and turn around until they are potty trained. Most of the time, if you leave them a blanket they will pee on it to mark it, so that is a bad habit to get started. There is always time for cozy beds after they are trained. Also, they do not have to have water in the night as long as they have all the water they want in the day. This will help with the potty training to not have it in the night.

     Feeding your puppy the same time two times a day will help regulate your puppy. Free feeding your puppy will result in many extra piles of poop as well as it can cause loose stool and weight problems.

     Please do not expect your puppy to hold his bladder all day while you are at work. If you are a working puppy parent and leave your puppy all day please give him an area to relieve himself. Puppy pads sometimes work but will most likely be shredded by the time you come home as well as news paper. If you have to leave your puppy please have patience with him and understand it will take longer and be harder to train him. After all how many infants do you see using the toilets by themselves? It is what it is and being angry for being normal only makes matters worse. If you disagree please read IT IS WHAT IT IS on the home page.

     There are pee pad holders at your local Walt for about $15. They work pretty good at holding down the pads and are easy to clean. They have little yards at most pet stores that has indoor/outdoor grass on a plastic base made for inside. You simple hose it off outside daily and let it hang dry. Who knows you may be able to come up with the next big invention if you put your mind to it!

     Please feel free to call me at anytime or e-mail. I will try and help all I can. GOODLY and HAPPY POTTY TRAINING!!

     If you have any ideas to ad or success stories to tell me please do.