Potty Training "Part 2"

For more complete potty training advice, please view the earlier post "Crate Training and Benefits". 

We don't want to automatically start off on negative criticism. Our printed potty training info that we provide in the starter packet, consists of about 2 pages of good advice. (I've included it on an earlier post.) This additional information is for those few puppies who are having a little harder time catching on to what is expected of them. 

Keep in mind that every puppy is unique. Just like every child has its own personality and emotional makeup, learns at a different pace by differing teaching techniques, puppies are the same way. You might need to approach things differently with each puppy. This will take time and discernment on your part to detrmine which is best for your puppy. 

Some people say NEVER scold a puppy. In some cases the puppy is not attentive enough to automatically realize they've done something wrong. How will they know you are displeased if you don't let them know? It's okay to scold your puppy when he/she goes potty in the wrong place. SHOW him/her what they did, make sure they see and smell what they did wrong and immediately CARRY them to the correct potty area. (By carrying them, they won't be able to get distracted away from the issue at hand.) Don't yell or rub their nose in it. Just make sure they're paying attention and know WHAT you're scolding them for. Make sure they smell the potty and say, "That was BAD." Very stern but not excessivley loud. Make them look at your angry face. They read your eyes and facial expressions. 

Then show them the right "potty place" and say, "Good boy/girl!". Leave some poop in the potty area so it reminds them that this is the "potty place". Small treats as a reward for doing it right gives them added incentive as well. Then clean the area where he/she pottied in the house with white vinegar. It's a safe and natural disinfectant. You won't like the smell of it, but neither will they. 

Most puppies want to please you and be cuddled and praised. Don't neglect them and NEVER lose your temper. Happy "parents" make for happy puppies/dogs. Don't lose patience or hope. They WILL learn, but it does take some puppies longer than others. Hang in there. Your hard work and persistence will pay off. :-)