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by Aussie Dog | May 3, 2017 | Training-Tips
At birth a newborn puppy is unable to eliminate its own waste – Mum licks the puppies to stimulate elimination and in doing so, cleans up as she goes (the equivalent of nappies on our babies). Around three weeks of age the puppies begin to soil for themselves – Mum continues to maintain cleanliness in the nesting area. It is innate for dogs to avoid soiling their sleeping or eating areas.
As the puppies become more physically capable, they will attempt to move away from the nesting area to toilet. This can be further assisted by providing the litter with a different floor surface outside their bedding. The puppies will instinctively seek an absorbent area to toilet, such as grass/soil or carpet. As the puppies continue to mature, they will attempt to move further away from their own living area. However, like our own toddlers, the puppies will have accidents – Mum will continue to keep the nest clean and will not scold or reprimand a puppy for any mistakes.
If we allow the puppy to practice toileting on wrong surfaces in wrong areas, it is likely to become the puppy’s preference for toileting requirements.
The following program for hurrying toilet training along is suitable for all physically sound puppies from eight weeks of age:
1. Crate training; 2. Condition the puppy to be on lead, secured to the leg of a table; or 3. give the puppy your full and undivided attention.
You will need to take the puppy outside, on lead, to the grassy area where you would like him to toilet, every 30 minutes to begin with. If he obliges, reward with favourite food treats reserved for this occasion and/or a game. Our aim is to minimise the number of mistakes and to reward toileting in the appropriate location. The container of treats kept at the toileting location can assist in reminding the puppy that an opportunity for a reward is now available.
Most puppies will be showing a vast improvement by 12 weeks of age, though still having occasional accidents. There will be a wide range of ease or difficulty from one pup to the next. Try to remain calm and tolerant – your stress will be obvious to your puppy and may undermine his confidence and trust in you as a consistent, reliable natured carer, capable of taking care of his needs and providing protection.
You can implement the above procedures for older dogs experiencing toilet training difficulties. However, the problem maybe occurring for a range of possible reasons and specific assessment and an individual program maybe required.
Copyright Steve and Vicki
www.vickiaustin.com.au