The Two Biggest Housetraining Mistakes
Leaving Your Puppy in the Yard Instead of Using a Crate
If you let your puppy stay in the yard, rather than keeping her indoors in a crate, the housetraining process will be complicated. It makes your pup feel it’s okay to eliminate wherever and whenever she feels like it. It can lead to accidents inside the house since she hasn’t learned boundaries or specific “potty spots.”
Conversely, a crate provides a safe, confined space that helps your puppy learn bladder control and establishes clear rules about where to go.
Using Punishment-Based Training Methods
Do you still practice traditional methods of housetraining? Be aware that outdated practices like rubbing your puppy’s nose in her mess, smacking her with a newspaper, or yelling at her can harm her progress. These actions never teach her what’s right; they only instill fear.
Over time, this fear can make your dog reluctant to eliminate in your presence, leading to sneaky accidents in the house. Worse, she might hold it during walks and wait until you’re gone to relieve herself, making housetraining an even bigger challenge.
What Else Distrubs The Perfect Houstraining of Puppies?
Inconsistent Schedules
Puppies thrive on routine. If you fail to make your pup stick to regular feeding, walking, and potty schedules, it can confuse your puppy, making it harder for her to know when and where she’s supposed to go.
Lack of Supervision
You should never leave your puppy unattended, especially during the early stages of housetraining. It is likely to cause accidents, isolating your pup while housetraining. You may always watch your puppy or use a leash indoors to guide her toward the right habits.
Not Cleaning Accidents Properly
When accidents happen, failing to clean them thoroughly can leave behind odors that encourage your puppy to eliminate in the same spot. Use enzymatic cleaners designed for pet messes to ensure all traces are removed.
When to Consult Your Vet
If you’ve tried everything and your puppy is still struggling with housetraining, it’s time to visit your veterinarian. Sometimes, physical issues like urinary tract infections or digestive problems can make it hard for your pup to hold her bladder or bowels. A quick vet check can rule out these conditions and get your training back on track.
Tips for Effective Housetraining
- Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, whenever your puppy eliminates in the correct spot.
- Take her outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, or play sessions.
- Be patient. Housetraining is a process, and each puppy learns at her own pace.
By avoiding common mistakes and using consistent, compassionate training methods, you’ll set your puppy up for success and create a strong bond of trust and understanding.