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Having a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience. However, along with the cuteness and playfulness, accidents are bound to happen. If your adorable furry friend has had an accident inside the house, don’t panic! Here are some steps you can take to clean up the mess and prevent future accidents.
1. Stay Calm and React Promptly
Accidents happen, especially with young puppies who are still learning the ropes of potty training. It’s important to stay calm and not scold or punish your puppy. Reacting in a negative way may confuse them and make the training process more difficult. Instead, gently interrupt the accident by clapping your hands or making a noise to startle them. Then, quickly pick them up and take them outside to finish their business.
2. Clean Up the Mess Thoroughly
When accidents happen, it’s crucial to clean up the mess properly to remove any lingering odors that may attract your puppy back to the same spot. Use a pet-friendly cleaner to treat the affected area and blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as their scent resembles urine and may encourage your puppy to go there again.
3. Establish a Consistent Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, and having a consistent schedule can greatly help in preventing accidents. Take your puppy outside to their designated potty area frequently, especially after meals, naps, playtime, and waking up in the morning. Praise and reward them with treats or verbal praise when they successfully go potty outside. This positive reinforcement will reinforce the desired behavior.
4. Supervise and Limit Access
Until your puppy is fully potty trained, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and limit their access to certain areas of the house. Use baby gates or close doors to prevent them from wandering off to places where accidents are more likely to occur. As your puppy learns and becomes more reliable, gradually give them more freedom around the house.
5. Use Crate Training
Crate training can be a valuable tool in potty training your puppy. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate can help teach them to hold their bladder and bowels. Make sure the crate is appropriately sized for your puppy, with enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Take them outside immediately after letting them out of the crate to give them an opportunity to relieve themselves.
Remember, accidents are a normal part of the learning process, and it takes time and patience to fully potty train a puppy. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and a lot of love and understanding will go a long way in helping your furry friend become house-trained.
Related:
Prevention is Key: How to Avoid Accidents in the First Place
While accidents are bound to happen during the potty training process, there are several steps you can take to minimize the chances of your puppy having accidents inside the house:
- Establish a routine: Stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and potty breaks.
- Take them outside frequently: Puppies have small bladders and need to be eliminated more often. Take them outside every 1-2 hours, especially after meals and naps.
- Watch for signs: Learn to recognize the signs that your puppy needs to go potty, such as sniffing around, circling, or squatting. Immediately take them outside when you notice these signs.
- Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy when they go potty outside. This will reinforce the desired behavior and motivate them to continue doing so.
- Be patient and consistent: Potty training takes time and accidents are to be expected. Stay patient, and consistent, and avoid punishing your puppy for accidents.
By following these tips and being proactive in your potty training efforts, you can help your puppy learn to do their business outside and keep your house accident-free. Remember, accidents are just a small bump on the road to a well-trained and happy puppy!
How to potty train your pup with ZERO accidents! [Tiktok Video]
@utahdoodles How to potty train your pup with ZERO accidents! Did you know we have two professional dog trainers? When you decide to get your pup from us we have an option to put them through our Puppy Plus training program. Feel free to DM us with any questions you have about this program! #dogtraining #dogtrainer #puppiesoftiktok #puppy #puppies #puppytips #pottytraining #pottytraininghack #puppyraising #puppytips ♬ original sound – Utah Doodles
