St. Louis Veterinary Clinic

Puppy Potty Training

Though potty training can often be a frustrating and down-right maddening aspect of getting a new puppy, it is very important for the puppy’s emotional health and your relationship that you emphasize praise over punishment. A very good and successful method for house breaking your new pup is crate training.

Crate Training

Pick a crate that is an appropriate size for your puppy’s breed. If it is too big, they will eliminate all over the place. However, it should not be so small as to limit them from moving around comfortably.

Introduce Your Puppy

You want the crate to be a place that your puppy feels comfortable in, not scared of or entrapped. Introduce your puppy to the crate using treats and toys. Do not force them in and then shut the door. Leave the door open so that they can explore it for themselves while entering and exiting freely.

This process should be gradual. Lure them into the crate with a treat and leave them there with the door closed for 30 seconds, then a minute, and so on. Provide a lot of praise both when entering and exiting the crate.

Being Consistent

Each time you take your puppy out of the crate, guide them to the area where you want them to eliminate at. This helps them develop the idea that they are supposed to go to the bathroom only when you take them out of their crate and to the designated place. Make sure you are consistent and build habits that they can follow. This is very important.

Visit a St. Louis Veterinarian Clinic

If you have questions about house breaking a new puppy, or have yet to find a vet, contact your local St. Louis vet clinics today.