Your dog is programmed to repeat whatever behaviour they did last time.
In the wild, if something happened and the dog was alive at the end of it, that behaviour might have been helpful for survival - and worth repeating.
How do we use this to help your dog with toilet training - or indeed any other training?
Let’s set up the patterns of behaviour that we do want - and strengthen these behaviours by repetition. So in this case let's make sure that all pees and poos happen outside.
Let's not set up the patterns of behaviour that we do not want - and avoid unwanted behaviours before they start. So, make sure that no pees and poos happen inside.
Easier said than done? It’s worth putting in the time and trouble for a wonderful, calm, clean and peaceful life together in the future.
It’s our job to get the puppy in the right place, at the right time for all their toilet needs.
They will do the rest.
A crate will really help your puppy because they will not want to pee or poo in their bed or den. It’s another way that we set up their life to succeed. Your puppy will spend quite a bit of time resting, digesting and growing in their crate.
Take your puppy outside when you see they have woken and got up, and also after eating. Spend some time outside for them to explore and go to the loo as they want.
Then offer a short time of freedom inside the house. Remember - less time equals less chance of pees or poos in the wrong place.
Then another visit outside.
Then more crate, resting/growing time.
Carry on with this pattern. As you progress, you can gradually extend the times of your puppy’s free time inside the home - the priority is still making sure we take them out enough.
If my puppy pees or poos in the house, I know it's because I misjudged something. The danger is that the pup might come to see the new place (inside) as the right place to go, and repeat the behaviour. I would need to go back a few steps to rearrange things - so they only go to the loo outside, and never go inside. Then we get back on track.
It's the same with everything. Set up the patterns we do want, and repeat them. Prevent the patterns of behaviour we don’t want. You are setting your dog up for success. And you are setting up a foundation for a peaceful life for you both.
Please phone me if you want to chat about your dog: 07967 735067 or email: judy@thedevondoglady.co.uk
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