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Finding the one best way to train a puppy is impossible.
You see, there are several ways to approach the topic of educating the new family member. They can be mostly summarized into two categories: the positive reward method and the negative threat method. These are pretty much the equivalent to McGregor’s theory X and theory Y in the human world. But what is the best way to train a puppy?
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Plan
First of all, you and your family members have to come up with a plan. Who will be raising the puppy and thus become their main focus point? Once this has been decided, it is time to start setting up a challenging yet simple plan and stick to it ( just like I should stick to my diet schedule lol).
Make sure to include mealtimes, toilet times and going out/ play time in the schedule. I will write a bit more in dteail about that later.
Of course, our lives are filled with unexpected ups and downs but do try sticking to the plan as this is the best way for consistently good results.
Below you will find a weekly schedule that you can easily print for you and your pup.
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How long till my puppy is trained?
Well, I don’t want to promise anything as there are a number of factors when it comes to this such as the consistency of training as well as the character of your dog. some are quick and eager learners while others like to take it slow.
On average it can take your puppy between 4 to 6 months to be fully housebroken, but it can reach up to 1 year in some cases. Just don’t lose patience and keep up that positive attitude.
Professionals recommend that you begin house training your puppy when they are between 12 and 16 weeks old. At that point, they have enough control of their bladder and bowel movements which lets them hold it in for a while.
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Negative threat method
As mentioned above, this is sadly still an ongoing method to train little puppies till this day. I will not go into the details, but i just wanted everyone to become aware of this method in order to avoid certain actions related to this.
- Yelling or screaming at the puppy if it has made a mistake
- Using physical violence if a puppy has eliminated inside the house or has chewed furniture or something similar.
- Punishing the puppy by locking it away for a minor mistake.
- Using the general approach of “If you dont do…. there will be consequences or If you do…. there will be consequences”.
I will not condone this method as it will not lead to results in the long-term and is mentally, emotionally, and physically damaging to a living creature.
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Positive reinforcement method
Who is a good boy? Who is a good girl? Yes, you are!
Positive reinforcement is by far the best way to train or teach your puppy. Or kid. Or anyone really.
All organisms respond positively to rewards and appraisal. Plants even grow better when you speak kindly to them! Now imagine what this could do for puppies.
- Give them head pats often. And hugs. And kisses.
- Don’t give up! Consistency is key.
- Let them make mistakes. It is part of growing up.
- Reward positive behaviour.
- Treats not threats.
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Potty training your puppy
I have set together a little list that features the best way to potty train your puppy.
1. Set up a routine, for potty training your dog it is necessary to learn when your dog needs to eliminate.
Stick to the routine which will make it easier for both of you.
2. Interrupt accidents. If you see them beginning to relieve themselves simply clap your hands, and say “no” in a firm yet calm voice.
3. Do NOT punish them. When telling them off you should not scare them. Your dog does not know that what they did was wrong.
Also, do NOT force them to stay outdoors as punishment, or lock them in a crate. This will most likely only confuse them and they will now continue urinating inside your home, only without you seeing them.
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4. Clean up any indoor accidents quickly. Since dog urine often has a strong sense of ammonia to it, leaving it for longer periods of time will encourage your dog to urinate there again.
The best way to get rid of the smell would be to use white vinegar.
5. Choose a private potty area where your senior dog will feel comfortable and confident enough to do their business.
You should consistently go to one or more designated areas throughout your training. It is one of the key elements in our how to potty train your dog process.
6. Keep your dog on a leash, mostly for you to get to the potty area efficiently but also for you to keep an eye on them.
This lets you know if and when they used the bathroom.
7. Decide on a code sound or command. Every time you go outside, use a certain word to make your dog understand that you’ll be going to their potty training location.
Simple words like “Go” or “Pee” are probably the best choices.
8. Reward positive behaviour, whenever your dog uses the potty zone correctly you should give them a little treat. Those shouldn’t be bigger than your little fingernail, yet it is the action itself that counts.
Also, make sure that potty time is relaxing for them. Don’t yank their leash or hurry them. You wouldn’t like it if someone did this to you.
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Mealtimes
I would personally advise to feed your little puppy up to 4 times a day when they first arrive.
The first time should be during the early morning hours (like 5 to 6 am) and combine that with a little morning walk either 20 minutes before or after that. This gives the dog the chance to eliminate as well as get their metabolism moving.
The second time should be around noon (around 10 am). Obviously if one has a job there may be a bit of a conflict here, so try to come home during your lunch break to take your puppy for a walk and leave them their lunch.
Third time should be around noon time (3 to 4 pm) when most people come from work. You will most likely be having lunch yourself, so take your little pupper out for a walk and then give them their well-deserved food. I am sure they are hungry!
Last time that day should be before their evening walk by 30 minutes or 1 hour. This gives them time to digest and gives them something to eliminate when you take them for a walk. This also lowers the chance of them peeing inside the house at night.
Remember to remove your puppy’s food bowl once they are done eating.
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Simple commands
It is a good idea to start teaching your puppy as young as possible.
the best choice of commands that you pup should know include: sit, lay down, heel, give paw, and stop.
Most of them can be mastered rather easily (with the ever-present help of treats and encouragement), and are very useful as well as necessary nowadays. You will want your dog to be listening to you if need be.
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Thoughts
So, there you have it, folks! The best way to train a puppy (the basics). Please remember to always treat your animals and each other with love and respect. Leave me a comment below telling me some tips or what you believe is the best way to train a puppy. You can read this if you feel interested in puppy training pads, potty training your puppy at home, or doing some dog grooming at home. Read you next time!
