Toileting, keeping control?
Toilet training a puppy is something that seems to be a stressful event for new owners, however the amount of stress can be greatly reduced if you remember to follow a few basic rules:
A puppy needs to go outside:
As soon as they wake up
Approximately 5-10 minutes after drinking (10-15 minutes after eating)
Or every 30 minutes from the last time they went out
It is best to use a trigger word or phrase to encourage the puppy to toilet; for example “garden” or "be quick". Your chosen word or phrase should be used every time you take your puppy outside to toilet. Initially, reward them with a titbit or stroke when they go on command, this will encourage them to go when and where you want. It is essential that you are consistent with your reinforcement as this will help embed the behaviour. The puppy will generally give you a sign that they want to go outside for example turning in small circles or standing by the door. You should learn to read these signs and quickly and enthusiastically lead them to the appropriate place and use your command word or phrase, repeating this in a happy high-pitched tone as they perform.
However good you are at toilet training, there WILL be accidents in the home and it is really important that you handle these in the right way.
If you witness the puppy going to toilet inside quickly and enthusiastically, lead them to the appropriate place and use your command word or phrase.
If you are too late or discover the accident later, it is imperative that you show absolutely no response to the accident, just stay calm, clear it up and forget about it. Making a fuss or telling the puppy off will only encourage the puppy to do it where you can’t see them do it or reinforce the behaviour.
Before you know it, toilet training will be a distant memory.