potty training your puppy
It is all about a consistent schedule and reinforcing the right behavior
1. Establish a food, water and potty schedule that you will follow every day
2. Puppies will typically drink 1 to 1.5 oz of water per lb of weight per day. Measure the water in the morning and dispense throughout the day. More in the morning and less towards the end of the day. Last drink of water at around 8pm. Of course if it is a super hot day or your puppy plays hard, more water will be needed.
3. Take your puppy out often. Usually, you should take your puppy outside every two hours at two months of age; every three hours at three months; every four hours at four months and so on, until they settle on 3 to 4 outings per day
4. You should also take your puppy outside after waking up, after playing, after eating or drinking water, and as soon as you get home
5. EVERY TIME your puppy goes potty outside, say 'good girl/boy!' and give your puppy a treat
6. If you catch your puppy in the act inside the home, pick your puppy up to interrupt flow and immediately take your puppy outside to finish. Reward your puppy for going potty outside
7. NEVER yell or punish your puppy for going potty indoors. Your puppy will take this as a sign that you don't like it when she pees in front of you, and decide that it is better to hide somewhere to do it
Teaching your dog to SIT!
1. Have small treats handy. If your dog has a tendency to nip at your hand when you have treats, use a toy instead
2. Make sure the floor you are working on is not slippery, wet, or uncomfortable
3. Make sure that there are no distractions (other people, noises, other dogs, etc.)
4. BE PATIENT
5. Conceal a treat inside your hand and bring it to your dog's nose. Then move your hand slowly towards the dog's tail. Your dog is going to try to figure out how to get the treat. Be patient and wait. As soon as your dog's behind touches the floor say "yes!" or "good dog!" and release the treat
6. Repeat a few times
7. Now your can say "SIT" as your dog is moving his bottom toward the ground. Accompany the movement with the cue
8. Repeat a few times
9. Now do the same but have your hand empty this time. Your dog is now looking at your closed hand and should go to a SIT even without the treat in your hand. When she does, say "yes!" or "good dog!" and give her a treat/toy
10. Repeat a few times
11. Now say SIT and wait. If your dog has built the association between the word and the action, she will sit. Say "yes!" or "good dog!" and give her the treat or toy
Practice every day for a couple of minutes, and start using SIT around the house every day
- Before putting his food down on the floor
- Before putting the leash on your dog
- Before opening the door
- When visitors come in
Troubleshooting
The dog won't sit after waiting for a while with the treat inside the hand.
Try moving your hand slowly from the nose of the dog to the back of her head
The dog is nipping at the hand.
Remove your hand quickly at the first sign of nipping and give the puppy time to reset.
Also try a treat that is less stimulating for the puppy
