Tips for Housetraining Your Puppy

The goal of housetraining your puppy is to teach him that there are times to play, times to eat, and times to potty. Here are some tips that can help make the process easier for you:

 The best time to housetrain a puppy is between 12 and 16 weeks of age. A puppy who is older can still be trained, but the process will take longer.
 Signs that your puppy needs to eliminate include barking, squatting, sniffing, circling, or scratching at the door. Watch your puppy carefully to learn his signals.
 As a general rule of thumb, you should take your puppy outside at least once every two hours. Use a leash to immediately lead him to the designated bathroom spot and say “Go potty” in an authoritative voice to help remind him what to do. Do not go for a longer walk or playtime until he has successfully eliminated.
 Give your puppy a treat immediately after he’s finished eliminating. If you wait until you’re back in the house, your puppy might not understand what the treat is for. Pet stores sell special treat pouches that clip to your belt to make it easier for you to access dog treats while holding your puppy’s leash.
 At nighttime, it’s best to pick up your pet’s water dish about two hours before you plan to go to bed. This will reduce the odds that your puppy will need a potty break in the middle of the night.
 Do not be discouraged when your puppy has accidents. Mistakes are part of the learning process, so it’s pointless to punish your puppy for having an accident in the house by trying to rub his nose in it or scolding him. If the damage has been done, simply clean the soiled area and move on. If you catch your puppy in the act, say “outside” in an authoritative voice and immediate take him to his designated outdoor bathroom spot. Give him a tasty treat if he finishes eliminating there.

Using Max & Ruffy’s Treats to Housetrain Your Puppy
Max & Ruffy’s treats can be a helpful part of the housetraining process, since puppies respond best to positive reinforcement. Our USDA Certified Organic mini bites treats come in a range of tasty flavors and are made using only the highest quality human-grade ingredients.

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