When you first get a new puppy, you have one thing in mind: potty training. But, as with many things in life, what seems like a straightforward and easy process turns out to be not so much. Puppy potty training mistakes can add a lot of frustration and stress to the already hard task of raising a puppy.
So here is a complete guide to help both first-time and seasoned breeders potty train their pooches correctly, so you and your furry friend can both live a happy and stress-free life together.
1. Skipping Crate Training
One of the most common mistakes owners make is skipping crate training for puppies,. Crate training helps teach puppies bladder and bowel control as well as respect for boundaries.
Without this important step in potty training, puppies are likely to eliminate anywhere they please. Additionally, unknowingly punishing puppies for having accidents will cause them to become hesitant to eliminate in front of the owners and likely lead to more potty training errors.
Instead of punishing, owners should use positive reinforcement when puppies succeed in eliminating them in the right place. Make sure to give plenty of exercises and be consistent with elimination opportunities.
Additionally, crate training should be used as it helps teach puppies that certain areas are for elimination, such as the yard or newspaper. Skipping this important step of potty training can lead to a lot of frustration for undesired messes and behaviors around the house.
2. Not Supervising
One common mistake people make when potty training puppies is not supervising frequently enough. Because puppies have small bladders and can not hold their bladder for long periods of time, it is important to be close by during the potty training process.
This means it is important to know how often do puppies poop and watch for signs that your pup needs to go, such as circling, sniffing the floor, and whining. If you don’t keep an eye on your puppy and you don’t catch them in the act of going potty outside, then chances are they’ll go potty inside.
This will only set you back in the training process and delay progress. Make sure you take your puppy to the same bathroom spot every time and provide consistent and frequent supervision to ensure your pup will learn quickly.
3. Not Paying Attention to the Cues
Puppy potty training mistakes can occur from not paying attention to the cues your pup gives you when they need to go to the bathroom. Before taking them outside, watch and observe your puppy’s behavior.
Look out for signs such as excessive sniffing, circling, and pawing, as they are indicating they need to relieve themselves. If you fail to notice these cues and take them out too late, an accident will likely happen.
Try setting up a consistent routine for your puppy, feed and take them outside at the same times each day. When they relieve themselves outside, reward your pup with positive reinforcement.
Also, provide supervision when your pup is indoors and regularly take them out on scheduled potty breaks for puppies. By paying attention to these cues, you will have a better chance of establishing a successful potty training routine.
4. Not Praising Them
Not praising a puppy when they do something right is one of the most common mistakes made with potty training. While sometimes it’s okay to scold or distract them when they do something wrong, it is important to also reward and celebrate their successes.
Doing so builds a positive connection between the puppy and its owner and makes them more likely to want to do the right thing next time. If an owner continues to ignore the puppy’s successes, they may stop trying to gain approval altogether and may even become discouraged.
Praising them for their successes and treating them lovingly when mistakes do happen will help them learn faster and help reinforce the behaviors you want to see. Additionally, you can use treats as incentives to reward and reinforce the proper actions you want them to take.
Also Read: 7 Dos and Don’ts Before You Adopt a Pet Puppy and Become a Pet Parent
5. Having Unrealistic Expectations
Having unrealistic expectations is probably the biggest mistake most puppy owners make when it comes to potty training. We all want our puppies to be house-trained as quickly as possible, and that can lead us to attempt to rush the process.
This is a mistake as it can create frustration and confusion for both you and your pup. A good rule of thumb to follow is that puppies will typically take 3-4 months to fully house train, with some breeds taking even longer.
If you find yourself getting impatient, try to break potty training into smaller steps and reward your puppy each time they make progress. Remember that it really is a process, and your pup will understand much better if you take it slow and consistently.
6. Not Understanding Hold Times
Puppy potty training mistakes like not understanding hold times can take away from the effectiveness of potty training your puppy. Hold times are the amount of time a puppy should hold its bladder from the time of feeding until the time he goes to the potty spot.
Typically, depending on the age of the puppy, hold times can range from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. It’s important to pay attention to your puppy’s changes in behavior and urination frequency, as this gives you a clue as to what their hold times are.
Setting up a routine around an estimated hold time will help build good potty habits. This routine should also include consistent potty breaks and never scolding the puppy after they do make an accident.
If any mistakes were made while potty training your pup, try to learn from them and adjust the routine together, which will help get them back on track.
7. Not Cleaning Stains Properly
Puppy potty training mistakes are common and often costly. When it comes to not cleaning stains properly, it is key to act quickly. Speed is key when it comes to removing the stain and odor, as the longer it sits in the carpet or flooring, the deeper the stain and the more difficult to remove.
Secondly, use the correct cleaning solution. A pet-safe, odorless cleaner that won’t harm your pet or home should be used. Ensure to read the manufacturer’s directions on how to use the cleaning solution to ensure the most efficient removal of the stain and odor.
Lastly, allow adequate time for the cleaning solution to work. After applying the solution, leave it for the allotted time before rinsing it with clean or distilled water. This will help to further reduce the chance of the stain and odor lingering on your carpets or flooring.
8. Not Using a Potty Phrase
Puppy potty training can be tricky, and one of the most common mistakes made is not using a potty phrase. While verbal cues can make the process easier, not having a consistent phrase can cause confusion for the puppy.
If you say ‘hurry up’ for one accident and ‘go pee’ for the next, your puppy won’t know what to do. It’s important to establish a potty phrase and stick with it, like saying ‘go potty’ each and every time.
With this consistency, your puppy will learn to associate ‘go potty’ with going outside to do their business. It is also important to reward your pup with a treat, verbal praise, or even a game after they go potty where they hear the phrase.
9. Not Using Potty Pads
Potty pads are an effective tool when it comes to puppy potty training. Unfortunately, some owners make the mistake of not using potty pads when initially potty training their puppy.
Not using potty pads can lead to difficulties in training the puppy to go to the correct location, as well as possible messes or accidents throughout the house. Potty pads are essential as puppies are unable to hold in their bladder or bowels for long periods of time.
Consistent use of potty pads in one designated area will help to teach the puppy that this is the desired location for elimination. Additionally, when potty pads are used, it’s important to clean them regularly to avoid an accident and maintain an inviting scent.
10. Punishing Your Pup for Accidents
Punishing your pup for accidents is one of the most common puppy potty training mistakes. Punishment is not a method for teaching an animal and does not get to the root cause of the problem.
It damages the bond between you and your pet and makes them afraid of potty training. Some signs that you may be punishing your pup include a lack of progress in their training, your pup going to the bathroom in an area it has already been scolded for, and physical signs of stress.
The best way to avoid this common mistake is to practice positive reinforcement techniques. Praise your pup when they go to the bathroom in the right spot and provide treats to reinforce desired behavior.
Learn More About Puppy Potty Training Mistakes
Puppy potty training mistakes can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pup, but it won’t be easy. Avoid common mistakes like reinforcing bad behavior and not sticking to a routine.
Trust your gut, be consistent, and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
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