Need help training your puppy? This article gives basic training concepts and shows you how to put them to work to successfully potty train your puppy. The principles of basic puppy training are simple. They are much like potty training a child. You must be consistent and offer positive reinforcement. If you constantly reward desired behavior, our puppy will quickly learn what it is you want him to do. If you are
inconsistent, or reward the wrong behavior, you will soon have a dog that is out of control. Before we get started there are a few things that should be mentioned. Never use corporal punishment when training a puppy. Hitting your dog will teach him aggressive behavior, that will one day come back to haunt you. Yes, he will bite, whether it is you or someone else. Your goal is not to punish your puppy, but to create a desire in him to please you. When you are potty training your
puppy, be sure to give him lots of time to do his “job.” Then, reward him with praise. This means you pup will need to be taken outside every hour or two throughout the day and when he “needs” to go out during the night. If you aren’t inclined to do this, a puppy is not for you. Take your puppy out at key times. These are after he wakes up, after he eats and at the end of a play period. These are the most likely times for him to eliminate, and is the reason he should be on a feeding
schedule. When puppies eat, they have to “go.” When you take your puppy outside, always take him to the same spot. Once he goes there a time or two, he’ll know exactly what is expected of him. Use the same phrase each time you take him to this designated area. “Go do-do,” “Do your job,” or “get it done,” are all phrases that, if used constantly, your puppy will come to recognize. Eventually, he will learn to do his job on demand whenever you speak this phrase. Watch for clues that
indicate your puppy has to “go.” He may sniff around, whine, circle, or disappear into a corner. When you see him displaying these behaviors, quickly escort him to the designated spot. If he goes, praise him, rub his head and say, “good boy.” If you don’t watch for the clues mentioned and your puppy begins a habit of relieving himself in the house, you will have a hard job getting him house trained. If Puppy has an accident, clean up the mess and watch him more closely. Never hit or
scold him. Don’t rub his nose in it. Seconds after the “job” was done, he’s forgotten about it. Eliminating is a natural thing to him and he won’t get the connection between the punishment and the deed. Speed up house training by using an indoor crate. Puppies and dogs always avoid eliminating in their “den.” Once your puppy is introduced to the crate, he will not relieve himself in it. You can crate him up to 8 hours. As soon as you release him from the crate,
take him to the designated spot. Once he’s relieved himself, heap praise upon him, rub his head and use the phrase, “good boy.” Training your puppy by putting newspapers on the floor is not a good idea. This sends mixed messages to Puppy. It will be hard for him to tell the difference from “going” on the paper, and “going” on the floor. So, keep it simple. Introduce your puppy to the crate. When he is roaming the house, watch for signs that he has to “go,” then take him to the
designated spot. Praise him when he’s successful. This will ensure that your puppy training efforts are also successful. Happy House Training!! | 
