What are some good house-training tips for puppies?
Posted on Sep 03, 2010 under training puppies | 4 CommentsI have a 3 month old chihuahua pup. She usually urinates when I take her outside, but rarely ever poops outdoors. Every time I find one of her accidents, I place her in front of the door, then take her outside and put her in the grass. This seems to have had no effect on her, for she has yet to ever stand in front of the door when she has to go. I know this particular breed has a reputation of being difficult to potty train, but if anyone has any helpful tips please let me know.
My chi is just about the age of yours and I got him about 4-5 days ago, completely untrained. The first day was hellesque, no elimination went on outside. I got really fed up and started talking to friends, and one suggested that you take the rags that you clean up their messes with and place it in the grass where they are supposed to go. Praise during and tell the pup to "go potty" or whatever phrase you use to tell the dog to use the bathroom. Praise LOTS afterwards and give a treat while the thought of the potty is still in their mind (usually, this is seconds, have treats on hand). For chi’s, they love praise, so I’ve been simply going with the praise and no treats. My little baby has had about 1-2 accidents a day, which is very good after only 4-5 days of training.
Also, look for hints that they need to use the bathroom. They’ll sniff around frantically and if they have to poo, their little butt will stick out.
In particular, my chi always goes potty after a nap, so I am sure to take him immediately to the grass because when he is groggy, he won’t tell me that he has to go. So also pay attention to their personal potty schedule. To further control their schedule, try not to free feed your pup. Let her have the food and water bowls at certain times of the day and take the water away a couple of hours before you plan on going to bed.
Also, when they are so little, it may be hard to learn many steps at once. Instead of focusing on putting her by the door and then to the grass, just focus on getting her to have no accidents, and eventually she will tell you when she has to go, because she will know that she has to go outside.
My roommate was also talking about a "peeing post" that you can buy at pet stores. He swears by them, but I personally haven’t tried it out.
Also, don’t rub their nose in it or spank them during elimination, it will associate bad feelings with eliminating in front of you and then potty training will become that much harder. Tell them no, and that potty goes outside.
10 day potty camp for puppies.
The puppies are just 22 days old and already they are using their litter box. Good potty!
