One of the most common issues I experience as a Puppy School tutor and private puppy trainer is house training. I think this is a bigger issue here in the city than out in the country. Many puppies don’t have direct access to a garden and the world outside their door is a bit scary, so they get used to going inside.
Here are 3 tips that have significantly improved my clients’ house training issues and got puppies going outside faster (and they may be different from other tips you may come across!).
Have a Fool-Proof Routine
Puppies have teeny tiny bladders. As they grow, so do their bladders and their ability to hold it. From the day they come home with you, get them out to their potty spot as often as possible. I tell clients to set a timer every hour to remind them to take their puppy out. Along with every hour, potty time should happen before and after eating, playing, and sleeping/rest. The more you get your pup out, the more likely they are to go outside rather than on your kitchen floor!
Create Boundaries at Home
As a force-free, positive trainer, I am all for giving our dogs choice in their life. But puppies do need more boundaries than most older dogs for their own safety and to learn good habits. It is crucial to create a comfortable, safe space for your puppy. This can be something like an open crate with a puppy pen around it or a baby gate across a small room. This will not only improve your puppy’s house training chances, but it will help prevent multiple unwanted behaviours. If your puppy has free rein of the house, there are endless potty opportunities and they will find a lovely carpet or rug that feels perfectly soft and plush to go on!
Only have your puppy out of the safe space if you are able to give them your FULL attention. Having them in a smaller, more controlled space when you can’t give them that attention means less likelihood of surprise gifts being left in a random corner of the house!
Build Confidence Outside
Many dogs will only use the toilet when they feel safe. It is a very vulnerable thing to do! So some puppies prefer going inside because the outside world is a bit scary. I often see puppies who don’t go until they get back from a walk. Building confidence outside can help puppies feel safe when out in the big bad world. To do this, be aware of your puppy’s body language and don’t push them to go too far out of their comfort zone. If puppy wants to turn around and go home, that’s ok! Improve their confidence by doing fun games with food and toys outside. Don’t rush them! I always say if you need to get somewhere, don’t take your puppy! Let them sniff and explore on a long lead if it is safe and be patient if they stop for a moment. Patience is key with confidence building, especially if you have a particularly sensitive pup. It may help driving out to a more quiet area for some walks if you are in a busy part of the city.
These tips not only support house training, but will also improve many other aspects of your life at home with your puppy. I know how frustrating house training can be, especially when you can’t just leave the garden door open! Remind yourself to be patient. We are asking our dogs to conform to the human way of living, so it can take time to get through to them. And never tell your puppy off for going inside!
