Routine scheduling is very important for your puppy especially when you begin their potty training. Expect him to eliminate every few hours until he develops better bladder control. Make yourself available to take him outdoors to an elimination area several times a day in order to avoid having accidents in the house. Develop a schedule that works both for you and your dog.
A good rule of thumb to use: Puppies can hold their bladder for 1 hour per each month in his age. If he is 3 months old he should be able to hold it for 3 hours. Your close surpervision is still required in the event your puppy has to go potty at unscheduled intervals.
Sometimes a dog's urge to eliminate corresponds to his activities: such as after playing, after napping, after eating and after running. You get the idea. Take him outside to an elimination area immediately after activities to relieve himself properly so he can be praised for his 'successes' as well as correcting his failures. Use word associations such as "go potty" or "go pee" each time you go outside. This is key for potty training puppy success! Remember - training a dog is about habits, prevention and praising!
Routine is all about habits and habits correctly taught teach your puppy what is expected of him. This is extremely important while puppy is developing bladder control. Again, good dog behavior is about prevention. That takes you to make it work!
What does a routine schedule look like for an 8-10 week old puppy?
6:00 AM Puppy wakes, take him out to eliminate. Praise on success.
6:15 AM Feed puppy food and water.
6:45 AM Take puppy outside to eliminate. Praise on success.
7:00 AM Play with puppy.
7:30 AM Take puppy outside to eliminate. Praise on success.
7:45 AM Put puppy in his crate, as you leave for work.
NOON Return home, take puppy out to eliminate. Praise on success.
12:15 PM Feed puppy food and water.
12:30 PM Play with puppy.
12:45 PM Put puppy in his crate, as you return to work.
5:00 PM Take puppy out to eliminate. Praise on success.
5:45 PM Feed puppy food and water.
6:00 PM Take puppy out to eliminate. Praise on success.
8:00 PM Play with puppy.
8:30 PM Take puppy out to eliminate. Praise on success.
10:30 PM Take puppy out to eliminate. Praise on success.
2:30 AM If puppy wakes up and cries. (wake spouse up! Just kidding) Take puppy out to eliminate, but bring him back in promptly without playing. He needs to understand to go back to sleep.
Once your dog has developed bladder control and can go 6 hours without eliminating, the important times to take your dog out to eliminate will be first thing in the morning, noon, dinner, and just before bedtime.
The important thing to remember is to be consistent and help develop habits and your dog will quickly learn what is expected of him. Remember the three key words: habits, consistency, and praise! |
