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Bringing a new puppy home for the first time is, in my opinion, one of the most exciting days you can have as a dog owner or guardian. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when that little fur ball follows at your feet as you walk through your home. The excited panting makes your heart melt when you realize that all your new puppy wants to do is play and it doesn’t matter what time it is, or what schedule you may be on. Suddenly, you realize that not everything is fun and games as your new companion explores intently with his nose to the ground before lifting his leg on your new sofa sleeper!

As a fellow dog owner myself, I know that raising a new puppy is hard work, and it takes a lot of time and devotion in order to treat your new furry little friend the right habits. Housebreaking can be very time consuming, but if done the right way, can be very rewarding in the long run. In order to properly housebreak you dog, there are a few tips to always keep in mind.

1. Consistency is key. Dogs tend to learn by repetition, just like anyone else, so it’s important to remember that when you’re potty training your puppy, you should try to develop a game plan for taking your puppy outside to go to the bathroom, and then use that game plan every time you do it. Soon after they have been going through that same routine on a consistent basis, it will become nature to them to go outside to do their duty. Puppies are smaller than full size dogs in every way and it’s important to remember that when considering how often they may need to go out. Smaller dogs, especially puppies, may need to go outside more often than full grown dogs because their bodies are still developing and may not be capable of holding bodily waste as long.

2. Know the warning signs. Dogs have a very keen sense of smell, and they use that sense in virtually all that they do. Smell is very important to a dog when it comes to finding the right place to take care of business so a simple way to tell when a dog has to go to the bathroom is by observing his or her behavior. Often times, dogs will sniff closely to the ground in a frantic manner in order to find the perfect spot for doing their duty. After a few likely accidents, you’ll be able to recognize this behavior and know that it’s time to take the puppy outside instead of letting them complete the task in your living room.

3. Reward not punish. One of the most important things to remember when training your puppy is to reward good behavior and never punish improper behavior. Punishing the dog after he or she has had an accident in the house isn’t going to do any good because they are not going to know what the are being punished for. Rewarding your puppy by giving warm words of praise, or cheerful encouragement during or just after the task is complete will help to reinforce the act of going outside. Toys and other dog supplies are useful ways of rewarding your pet as well. They want your positive attention, and so they’ll learn that by going outside instead of inside the house they can get that attention.

Remember, getting a new puppy is hard work and it takes time and dedication to train your puppy the right way. These are just a few tips to keep in mind when your training your puppy. The key is to be patient and understanding. Combine this with the few things to remember that I have mentioned above, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying many years with your new housebroken friend.

Author's Resource:

Matt LeClair has been a life long pet lover and enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge about dogs, cats, and more. Matt is the owner and founder of Farm Medley, a wonderful resource for bringing you informative articles, and competitively priced, high quality www.farmmedley.com”>pet supplies. www.farmmedley.com

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