Housetraining: It’s never too early to start

You should begin housetraining your puppy from the very first day of his arrival. In fact, even before you take your puppy indoors, show him a place in the garden where you want him to do his business, and even encourage him to go there and then. If he does go, give him plenty of praise and attention, but don‘t worry if he doesn’t; things will fall into place with a little patience.

Keep your puppy regular: A regular routine is the most important aspect of early housetraining. Feed your puppy at the same time each day, and make sure you’re with him for up to 30 minutes after each mealtime as this is the time most puppies need to pass faeces. And remember, puppies eat several small meals a day so he’ll need to pass faeces several times, too. You should allow at least two hours a day for your puppy to go to the toilet.

Exercise helps: During playtime with your puppy, take a break and go outside, to encourage him to do his business. If you introduce a short command when you take him outside, he’ll quickly learn that this means he should go to the toilet now.

Confinement and supervision: These are two important aids in housetraining your puppy. Watch him at all times and if you see him sniffing and circling the ground, lead him outside to his designated toilet area, but don’t pick him up, as he needs to learn to take himself to the door when he needs to go.

When to go: Every time your puppy wakes up, at the end of each meal and after every game, take your puppy outside to the toilet area. When he’s had a successful trip, heap plenty of praise on him.

You can’t always be around: Obviously, there will be times when you won’t be able to supervise your puppy closely and spot the warning signs that he wants to go to the toilet. At such times, put him in a small area with a floor you can wash, or put down an absorbent training pad. But please don’t leave your puppy alone for long periods, as he’ll begin to feel isolated.

Accidents will happen

Toilet training is never going to happen overnight and accidents are bound to happen. What is important at such times is how you react to the situation. You must never punish your puppy, never rub his nose in his “mistake”, shout at him or lose your temper. Clean up after him and try not to leave him alone for so long in future. If you’re not around to supervise him and he does get into the habit of messing indoors, then remember, “accidents” aren’t your puppy’s fault; they’re yours.

The good news and the reward of your supervision and patience will be a happy, housetrained puppy inside four weeks.