How often have you heard yourself shouting - "Get that puppy outside before he wees in the house!" Probably too often.
This is probably one of the most misunderstood parts of dog training and the easiest to accomplish if you follow some basic rules.
Puppies respond well to routine, patience and gentleness.
They desperately want to please you and shouting at them just makes them frightened and more prone to having accident.
Your first task is to calm down and realize that accidents do happen and that it is going to take some time before your puppy is completely house trained.
In the mean time you need to remove carpets and mats where possible and put newspaper down to catch any mistakes so that it is easy to clean up.
Next, after a puppy has had a sleep, eaten his meal or had a drink and after being confined in an area for a period of time they are going to need to be taken outside for a wee or poo.
If you forget to take them out or take too long it's your fault if they have an accident.
Take responsibility for the fact and you will stop being angry at the puppy and concentrate on watching for the signs that he needs to go.
After you have taken him outside a few times he'll start to get the picture and start to wait to be let out.
When he does have a wee or poo outside be sure to praise him and tell him what a good dog he is.
Positive reinforcement works brilliantly with puppies.
Try to get your puppy to go to the same place each day for his toilet.
This will make your job easier when you have to clean up when he is older and is more hygienic than having mess all around your garden.
Each time they are taken out, remember to say "Go Wee" or some other appropriate words.
This command will get your puppy to start doing it on cue in future and will avoid a lot of frustration on cold winter nights when you just want to get the job done and back inside to your warm cosy lounge.
Never scold your puppy or rub his nose in an accident.
Not only is this cruel, but usually he won't know what he has done wrong.
Quietly clean up the mess and make sure that you watch for the next time he needs to go outside and then praise him.
As time goes on, he will recognise if he has made an accident and will be only too keen to show you that he can do it right next time.
You can find out lot's more about how to care for your puppy and what you can train him to do by checking out the resources listed below.
A short article does not even cover a small part of what you need to know in order to bring up a healthy happy puppy.
If you have young children or if having a puppy is a new experience for you then be sure to do your research so that you know what to expect and get the most out of your pet.
