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Let's Talk Dogs

Pet Services

Olympia / WA / US

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Let's Talk Dogs02/08/2024
Recently, I attended a conference where two knowledgeable individuals with PhDs shared intriguing insights gleaned from observing their adorable new puppy. They meticulously documented every instance of the pup relieving itself, and the numbers they revealed were quite eye-opening. On average, the pup urinated approximately 18 times and defecated about 4 times each day. At first glance, these figures might appear daunting, potentially making successful housetraining seem like an insurmountable task. However, understanding these statistics can empower you to plan more effectively for your puppy's needs, whether they're young or fully grown.

The process of housetraining remains consistent whether you're dealing with a young pup or an adult dog, and its success hinges largely on human intervention. Dogs quickly learn to associate specific surfaces—such as grass, gravel, or carpet—with elimination. As the member of the household equipped with opposable thumbs, it falls upon you to guide your furry friend to the designated area whenever nature calls. By consistently achieving this, you can expedite your dog's mastery of housetraining.

Following these guidelines not only facilitates housetraining but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, enhancing mutual understanding. Vigilance during the initial stages of housetraining accelerates the process, with each accident serving as a setback, while every successful trip to the approved area represents a significant stride forward.

Here are some essential tips to aid in housetraining and fostering a harmonious relationship with your furry companion:

1. Ensure your dog's well-being by scheduling an initial veterinary visit as soon as you bring them home, including a stool check for worms. If your fully housetrained older dog begins having accidents suddenly, consulting your vet is advisable.

2. Introduce crate training to your dog, which not only facilitates housetraining but can also prove beneficial later in life for situations requiring confinement due to injury, illness, or travel.

3. Familiarize yourself with your dog's schedule, particularly for puppies, who have predictable needs. Take them out after meals, upon waking, during playtime, and whenever it's been a while since their last outing.

4. Exercise management and supervision until accidents are minimized. Avoid letting your dog roam unsupervised indoors, utilizing creative methods such as tethering or confining them to a designated area when necessary.

5. Learn to recognize your dog's signals indicating the need to eliminate, such as circling or sniffing the ground, and promptly take them outside.

6. Reserve potty breaks solely for eliminating. Lead your dog on a leash to the designated area, offering cues like "Potty" or "Hurry up." Praise them enthusiastically upon success and return indoors if they don't go, attempting again shortly afterward.

7. Stay by your dog's side during outdoor outings to ensure they complete their business. Avoid leaving them unattended in the yard, as they may become distracted and forget to eliminate them.

8. Provide your dog with a nutritious diet to maintain their health and regulate their bathroom habits. Opt for high-quality food options to promote overall well-being.

9. Avoid associating successful potty breaks with punishment or the end of enjoyable activities, as this may discourage your dog from eliminating outdoors.

10. Address accidents promptly with appropriate cleaning solutions and refrain from chastising your dog, as accidents are often the result of human oversight. Revisit the housetraining process if necessary, starting anew with heightened attentiveness.

By following these tips and maintaining patience and consistency, you can successfully housetrain your dog while strengthening the bond between you both.
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