Bowel & Bladder Training for Puppies
Puppies are babies, so set your expectations accordingly. Train your puppy for bowel and bladder control using patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. A short investment of time and effort will pay off for years.
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Puppy Physiology
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According to The Humane Society, a puppy's bladder capacity is approximately one hour for every month of age. Doctors Foster & Smith note that dogs use scent to choose places to eliminate, which is how puppy pads work, and that puppies require three to four feedings a day. Defecation often occurs within 30 minutes of eating.
Training Techniques
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Teach the puppy what you want him to do and where. Supervise him inside, take him outside frequently--immediately after he wakes in the morning and from naps, after eating and drinking and every two hours--and feed him on a schedule. Watch for sniffing, restlessness and circling, and take him outside to the spot you've chosen. Promptly praise him when he eliminates in the right place. A key phrase, such as "Outside?" or "Go potty," speeds your puppy's connection between your wishes and his behavior.
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Accidents
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Unless you catch your puppy eliminating in the house, don't punish her. Just clean up accidents thoroughly, using an odor-neutralizing product and continue positive training methods. The Humane Society suggests not feeding and limiting water intake close to bedtime.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit german shepherd puppy image by Jeff from Fotolia.com
