Every new puppy carer needs to have a toilet training plan for their puppy, that is in action from day one. Importantly, make sure it is communicated to all the members of the home so that everyone is on the same page and the path to a toilet trained puppy is as easy as possible.
Some pups will get it within a few days, while others can take months.
It’s helping your puppy to know what you want them to do, and then rewarding them when they do it. Easy, right?! The key is to be patient and consistent.
Firstly decide where you want your puppy to go to the toilet. Is there a designated area in the yard, anywhere at all on the grass, a balcony, or grass patch inside? Now that you know where you want them to go - you need to share this with them! Take them to that place frequently. At least every 30 minutes and particularly after eating, drinking or sleeping.
Get to know the signs that your puppy is showing you when they want to toilet (e.g sniffing, restlessness––you’ll get to know them), and then take them straight to their spot.
If you start a routine: set feeding times and play times and you’ll soon notice when your mate needs to go.
Always keep the toilet trips at night calm: speak in low, quiet tones and stand with them for support (don’t let this be playtime). You can pair your toilet trips with a phrase. One of mine is the very original ‘wee wees!’ This becomes handy as they grow up.
If you are using a crate at night - a handy tip is to start with the crate near to you that way you can be more responsive to toilet trips during the night.
So now they’ve gone to the toilet where you want them to - reward them for it! Don’t wait for them to go back in the house - create a positive association and do it straight away too, so they know what they’re being rewarded for. Treats must be safe for puppies, and shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their total diet. A balanced diet is essential for puppies as they grow.
In addition to rewarding, it’s also important to ignore accidents, even if you see them in the act. Fur kids (like human kids) can’t always prevent going to the loo. It’s all part of growing up.
Written by Dr Claire Jenkins. Claire is a QLD graduate with over 15 years experience as a neighbourhood Veterinarian in Australia and the UK. Animal lover and the founder of VetChat, born from a passion to help pet carers everywhere access trusted advice earlier, for healthier, happier pets. Grateful to be carer to her beautiful Red-dog.
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