Puppy Training

When Should You Start House Training?

It’s important to start house training as early as possible, usually from 8 weeks of age. Young puppies have no control over their bladder and bowels, which means accidents are common in the beginning. By starting immediately, your puppy will get used to the idea of doing their business in a designated spot more quickly.

How to House Train Your Puppy

House training takes time and patience. With the following tips, you can help your puppy learn:

• Take your puppy outside regularly, especially after sleeping, eating, and playing. These are the times when your puppy will most likely need to go.
• Reward your puppy with a treat when they go potty outside. This helps your puppy understand the desired behavior faster. Check out all puppy treats here.
• Stick to a routine. Make sure you take your puppy outside at consistent times. They learn faster when they have a regular schedule.
• Watch for signs. Is your puppy sniffing, circling, or becoming restless? These are often signs that they need to pee or poop. Take them outside immediately to prevent indoor accidents.

Useful Products for House Training

Ideally, your puppy will do their business outside, but for some puppies, the world is still overwhelming and they may not always feel safe going outside. That’s why it’s helpful to have a puppy trainer and training pads at home, such as the Savic Puppy Trainer + Pads. You can also choose reusable training pads like the M-Pets Washable Training Pad. These offer your puppy a safe place to relieve themselves.

Accidents are a natural part of the process, so it’s bound to happen that your puppy pees indoors now and then. Using a urine odor remover will help you clean the smell quickly and effectively so your puppy won’t be tempted to pee in the same spot again.

A crate can also be helpful in house training. It offers your puppy a secure space, and dogs instinctively keep their sleeping area clean. This means they’re less likely to go potty inside the crate.

Common Mistakes in House Training

There are some common pitfalls in house training. Don’t expect miracles—young puppies simply can’t hold their bladder for long, so be prepared to go outside often!

Never punish your puppy when they have an accident! A puppy won’t understand why they’re being scolded, and this can lead to fear, making the training take longer. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Finally, be consistent. A regular schedule is crucial for successful house training, so try to stick to the same times each day.