If you've just recently brought home an adorable new puppy, you are probably in the process of learning about proper potty training techniques.
All new puppy owners have to go through the process of house training puppies, and the process can be simple and easy, done in a weekend, or it can also be drawn out over many months.
What makes the difference between getting it done right and struggling through for months without success? It can be as simple as repeatedly making one of these very common mistakes listed below.
Not Following A Schedule - This is the single most common mistake made by new puppy owners when house training puppies.
A schedule consists of eating, sleeping and toilet times for your dog.
By creating a schedule, you are able to better pinpoint and control when your dog needs to use the toilet, which gives you a better chance of catching your dog at the right time.
The schedule also sets a routine that your dog will become used to, which means he will do his business much faster when you take him out in the future.
Not Allowing for Playtime After a Trip Outside - Your dog loves going outside, and if he is rewarded with playtime outside after using the toilet, then he will be encouraged to get his business done quickly so he can get to the playtime.
If he is not allowed playtime and it taken right back inside, he will most likely dawdle about as he knows the second he's done he'll have to go inside.
What kind of an incentive is that? Angry Response to Past Accidents - If you discover an accident, it is too late to reprimand your dog about it, and he will not understand what is happening.
Rubbing his nose in it will only cause him to think you are angry that he went to the bathroom at all, he will not understand that you are mad only about the location.
You puppy may then try to hide accidents behind furniture, or even worse, eat the evidence.
Just quietly clean it up, and be angry at yourself that you allowed the opportunity for this to happen.
Keep a more watchful eye on your puppy next time.
Using Too Large a Crate - This is a common mistake among puppy owners that do not fully understand the concept of crate training puppies.
The crate is meant to be only large enough for your dog to lay down and stand up and turn in a circle.
You do not want any additional space, as that could become the toilet area, which you want to avoid.
You want the crate small enough so your dog wants to avoid messing up his bed.
Of course that means you need to give frequent opportunities to use the toilet, for small puppies at least every few hours until they learn to control their bladders a bit more.
Thinking of Crate Training as Cruel - Crate training puppies is by far the most effective method of house training puppies.
It is not cruel at all, it is a den for your dog, a safe place for him to rest and relax.
You have to understand how to do it properly and make sure your puppy has plenty of play time, but if you want to house train your puppy quickly and easily, this is the way to go.
Learn how to train a puppy properly by avoiding these common mistakes and you will be well on your way to being a responsible pet owner.
Just remember that it does take time, consistency and patience to house train puppies properly.