Toilet Training your new dog

We often get asked on how we start to toilet train our new dogs.

This advice is suitable for all dogs, as we are aware that some rescue dogs which are older have never been toilet trained due to how they started in life. Our guidance is the same for puppies or older dogs

Toilet training doesn't happen overnight, and you will need consistency and patience, with rewards for the right behaviour. However this is a fantastic opportunity to gain further bonding with your dog - We do not advise negative training or telling your dog off if they make a mistake - this is counter productive, and they often do not associate the negativity with the action of soiling in the house.

The below are four steps for success:

1 - Control

Keep your puppy/dog on a lead when you take them outside for their toilet training. This means that they cannot wander off and get distracted/forget what they came outside to do!

2 - Consistency

Just like all dog training, consistency is key here - try and use the same words when taking your dog outside, we use 'go quick'. It doesn't matter what words you use, as long as they are the same every time.

3 - Reward

Always reward and praise your dog when they have gone for 'toilet' outside - this helps them further understand what you are asking, and they will soon learn to love the rewards for getting the task right

4 - Routine

Try to keep the same routines, and do things at the same time every day, such as feeding, walking and sleeping etc - this will help your puppy/dog get into a routine and make the toilet training much easier

Pro Tips

We have included below some of our pro tips to help you successfully master toilet training with your new dog/puppy

1- Know The Signs

Start to recognise the signs for when your dog may need to go toilet - these tend to be snuffling or sniffing the floor, or turning a circle

2 - Go Outside Frequently

Make sure you take your new puppy/dog outside frequently during the day. Especially after they have just woken up, after meals and playtimes. Try to take them to the same place each time so that they recognise their own scent - Don't forget to keep them on a lead so that they do not wander off and get distracted and reward good behaviour

3 - Feed At The Same Time

Keep your dogs routing similar every day especially when it comes to a feeding routine. Do not forget to take your dog outside as soon as they have finished eating

4 - Designated Sleeping Area

We know that you cannot supervise your new dog/puppy 100% of the time, and encourage owners to have a safe and designation space set up for your new dog. We recommend the use of crates for this. Puppies are less likely to soil their sleeping areas, however we do recommend having a crate whereby half of the area can be covered in paper just incase your new puppy/dog does need to go and prevents any accidents in their bed. (We will publish a further blog on the importance of a crate especially for new dogs/puppies)

But what if accidents do happen?

We expect accidents to happen, your puppy has a smaller bladder than an older dog, so will need to go to the toilet more frequently.

If you follow the steps above, you are less likely to have lots of accidents.

However if these do occur, don't punish your dog/puppy, remember they are still learning what to do. Simply clean/disinfect the area and remove the smell with pet odour neutraliser (you can buy these at most pet stores)

We hope the above helps!

However, if you have any questions, or want to book a training session - please reach out to us on 085 757 4185 or just the contact page. Always happy to help