| Puppies are cute, that's for sure! But | | | | newspapers, or line the floor of the laundry |
| accidental mishaps around the house are not. | | | | room or half bathroom or other area with |
| So to avoid mishaps and enjoy your puppy | | | | newspapers. |
| more, here are some helpful tips. | | | | |
| | | | If you are going to use a crate, make sure |
| When to Begin | | | | the puppy can't get hurt in between or slip |
| | | | between slats, and only leave the pet in |
| The best time to start training your puppy is | | | | there for one to two hours max. Note you can |
| when it ranges from 8 to 12 weeks old. You | | | | train with the crate so that the puppy's |
| can actually begin earlier, but don't expect | | | | sleeping area remains clean. |
| overnight success. Training takes time and | | | | |
| patience - and TLC (tender loving care). | | | | Other tips include: |
| | | | |
| Paper, Box or Crate Training Help | | | | Â- Rule of thumb: your puppy will need to |
| | | | head to the bathroom roughly every 3 hours. |
| To begin with, puppies don't want to dirty | | | | So watch the clock or set your microwave or |
| their own bed areas. So whichever area you | | | | oven timer and nudge the little guy every so |
| use to train your puppy for potty grounds, | | | | often. |
| make sure this is not the same area you use | | | | |
| for your pet's sleeping. Otherwise, you could | | | | Â- Watch for pre-potty heads up activity. |
| cause confusion and accidental bathroom | | | | If your puppy starts sniffing around, it |
| messes could result in the sleeping areas. | | | | might be time to go outside or to the |
| Likewise, do not leave your pet confined in | | | | training area. |
| the potty training area too long, either, | | | | |
| even if it's for punishment purposes. Young | | | | Â- Reward your pet when he or she does |
| dogs need to learn the difference between | | | | good and goes in the right place. Light pats |
| free space, bed and potty areas. | | | | on the head, treats, and saying, "Good dog!" |
| | | | work wonders. |
| When you are ready to begin your pet's potty | | | | |
| training, some dog trainers recommend | | | | Most importantly, have fun and love your |
| training puppies to head to an area covered | | | | little puppy. If you need help with more |
| in newspapers at first or if outdoor weather | | | | training, seek out more articles, helpful |
| is too miserable (like heavy rain or wintry | | | | books and other resources starting with those |
| conditions). Similar to a cat's litter box, | | | | at your local library and online. |
| an open-ended box for a dog can be lined with | | | | |