The golden rule to teach your puppy cleanliness is to take it out regularly and always use the principle of positive reinforcement! Everytime you go outside, encourage and reward him immediately when he does
Quietly try to establish a routine with him considering the best times to take your dog outside;
- In the morning upon waking and after the rest periods
- In the evening before going to bed (you can remove his bowl of water before going to bed)
- After playing
- From 10 to 30 minutes after his meal
- When he feels the floor while spinning in circles or sits by the door
By considering these key moments in your dog’s cleanliness routine, you will be more likely to make it work, and thus reward it! A positive association can therefore be quietly formed, which will certainly increase your chances of success!
IMPORTANT: It is absolutely necessary to avoid punishment if you find a mess and even if you catch him in the act
Although it can be frustrating to find a mess in the house, punishing your dog will not help him at all in his toilet training. We propose instead to react this way:
- If you catch him, grab his attention by doing
a noise from your mouth or a sound with your hands
and take it outside - Be neutral and calm and avoid talking to him.
- Clean the mess with a product to eliminate
the smell or again, with water added of
vinegar (1 part of vinegar for 4 parts of water)
Do not forget that positive reinforcement is your ally in this learning!
IMPORTANT: If your adult dog has problems with cleanliness it is first important to consult a veterinarian to ensure that no health problem is the cause of this behavior. Afterwards, it is possible to start learning with the tips and tricks mentionned above. If you are experiencing difficulties, we recommend the help of a canine behavior specialist who can assis you in this process!
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