Puppy-proofing your house is not just about protecting your stuff from being chewed on by little teeth. It is crucial in keeping the new-born dog from getting hurt, trapped, escaping, or eating something harmful, according to Dr. Emma Scales-Theobald, a canine nutrition and behavior consultant. Cords and wires are real risks. Never leave a puppy alone in a room with live electric cords for appliances. All food should be kept out of reach. Lock up medicines as well as cleaning supplies. To avoid climbing adventures, make sure chairs are away from other surfaces like tables or worktops.
Establishing a Routine for Potty Training
House training also referred to as potty training or housebreaking your puppy or dog requires patience, dedication, and lots of repetition (for the lack of a better word). Accidents happen but if you stick with these simple guidelines for house training, you will quickly have the newest member of your family on the right track. Puppies do best on a regular schedule. A schedule teaches them that there is time to eat, play and go to bathroom among others. Generally speaking, puppies can control their bladder for one hour per month of age i.e., if it is two months old it can control its bladder for two hours; bathroom breaks longer than this will usually result in accidents.
Take Your Puppy Outside Frequently
Take your puppy outside frequently (at least once every two hours), immediately after waking up in the morning or nap during daytime playing sessions shortly before meals (and water) Pick an area outside where they can relieve themselves and always take your small friend to that spot (on leash). When they are relieving themselves pick an expression or phrase they will eventually learn means “go pee”. Reward them each time they do it outdoors . Remember that dogs must use the toilet when taken outside therefore praise and feed them immediately they are done before getting back inside the house; this step is crucial in that it tells your dog what you expect from it.
Addressing Accidents
If you catch your puppy peeing in the house, without a lot of drama, immediately take them to their outside bathroom spot. If they finish there praise and give him/her a treat. When you find a mess on the floor be sure to clean up after it properly.
Crate Training for Nighttime and When Alone
Using their crate as confinement during the night would be useful for potty training, preventing accidents, ensuring better sleep, managing anxiety and dealing with emergencies. Make sure that your puppy is comfortable in its crate by leaving some of its favorite belongings but do not leave an anxious dog alone. A crate for a dog is like its own home or sanctuary. Some dogs prefer their crates during the day while others at night. It is important to discipline such dogs whichever schedule they have decided upon so that they can stay out of mischief all day long.
House-training can also be attained by crate training your dog, so that it does not pee within the house while you are out. Animals do not like to go to the bathroom where they sleep; hence, with a suitable sized crate they are less likely to have an accident while you are away. You should take her outside every 30–60 minutes for the first week or two after bringing home a puppy usually at about 8 weeks old. This helps prevent the puppy from peeing in the house and helps her get used to going to the bathroom outside.
Reducing Anxiety When Left Alone
When you have just acquired a new puppy leaving home can be hard especially when you are gone for long hours. Slowly is how one starts learning. To begin with, leave your puppy in his playpen or crate for ten minutes at a time. Before departing, offer your pup some delicious treat .This will help teach them to associate your absence with rewards and good feelings . If your dog begins displaying anxiety behaviors, cut short how long you stay away gradually until such a time when he can manage more extended periods of solitude.
By leaving your puppy at home alone during safe times, they learn self-soothing and being mellow without their family always around them. Your puppy will most likely be excited when you come back from work. Wait until they calm down before you greet them. Once your puppy is calm reward them with an all-natural chew treat and of course lots of attention.
Through consistent teaching and providing a secure setting for them, there will be an optimistic move into their new homes where these puppies can adapt appropriately.