Tips for Housetraining Your Puppy

Has a new furry family member recently joined your household? Congratulations on your new arrival! Your four-legged buddy is sure to bring lots of love and joy to your home. Fido’s got a lot to learn in his first few months, as he starts to form impressions about the world and learn what is expected of him. If you’ve adopted a baby dog, one of the first things you’ll need to see to is housetraining. Here are some tips from your Troy vet on housetraining your puppy.

Every time Fido does his business outside, he should be immediately rewarded with treats and praise. This is very crucial, because as your dog becomes more and more bonded to you, he’ll seek to please you. Just be sure to

Just like children, dogs will benefit from having a set schedule for eating, sleeping, and walks. Keep your furry pal on a specific routine for meals, and don’t let him snack between feedings. This will help keep his digestive system regular.

Crate training is highly recommended. When used properly, a crate is a great tool. Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog regularly, it’s best for your canine puppy to be used to his crate, and not frightened of it. This will make it much easier for Fido if he ever has to be kenneled for veterinary care, at a groomer’s, or while traveling. Dogs often enjoy their crates, because the small space mimics a den and makes dogs feel secure.

While little Fido is being housetrained, you’ll need to walk him at least every two hours, and after he finishes eating. Before going outside, tell the little guy that it’s time to go potty. Take him to the same area each time, so he’ll start identifying that spot as the bathroom. A good rule of thumb is that your puppy can hold his bladder about one hour for every month of his age. Waiting too long between walks will ensure that your pooch has an accident, and will lengthen the housetraining process.

Does your canine buddy need shots or an examination? Call us! We love seeing puppies grow from bouncing balls of fur into happy, healthy, adults. As your Troy veterinary clinic, we strive to provide the best veterinary care possible.

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