4 Tips for Potty Training Puppies
When potty training puppies, many folks become frustrated at the whole process in general. Getting frustrated is understandable, and mistakes can be quite frequent as most puppies are still getting acquainted with the way the world operates. But the one thing that most people don’t realize is that a big determiner of your puppies behavior is the way you react to his actions. Here are a few things to remember as you potty train your puppy:
RESPECT: That’s right – potty training puppies need respect too! Dogs respond to emotions and feelings, and can tell when they’re being respected, even though they are not necessarily verbal animals. Usually, they will return the favor and respect your rules better if they can sense that they are loved members of your family.
TEMPER: It’s hard to stay cool when your little puppy just left a “dookie” in the middle of the floor! But the truth is that yelling and screaming won’t get nearly as favorable a result as calm commands will. Your puppy will become confused and his progress delayed if you lose your temper.
PRAISE: Remember to always give credit where credit is due. This means to constantly reinforce good behavior. Petting, praising, and loving your puppy will not only improve behavior, but will also help reinforce the bond between you, and will strengthen the mutual respect for each other.
STRIKING: Many folks believe that hitting their dog helps establish “who’s boss” when potty training puppies. However, the truth is that your puppy gets freaked out by it, and it can cause psychological damage that can cause big delays in the process of potty training! Most of the main-stream dog trainers now recommend positive reinforcement over negative reinforcement, which can mean a major shift in many dog owners’ thought processes. Once again, just walk away if you feel your temper heating up, then you can deal with it after you’ve calmed down.
By following these four easy tips, you will strengthen the relationship between you and your dog, and your dog’s behavior will improve, thus speeding up the potty training process. Good luck!
