From the moment your new puppy arrives home, you have already committed to make him part of your family. He was separated from his family, from his littermates or former owner. This is the time you show him that you have a better home with you.
His first days adjusting to the new home are going to hard and confusing. He might be moving around 1 second, looking lonely the next then falling asleep afterward. This is normal for a puppy adapting to a new environment.
Potty training steps:
1. Go and purchase a crate. Make sure that the size of the crate fits your dog. It should be just enough to lie down comfortably and turn around. It should not be so big that your dog will sleep on one side and eliminate on the other side. Most wire crates have a divider that allows the crate to grow as your dog grows.
2. Let him get to know his crate. Put a soft bed and a towel inside his crate. Make it comfortable. Toss in your treats along with his toys. Leave the crate door open to let him walk in and out of it while exploring the premises of his room.
3. Keep the crate door open. Initially, leave his crate open so he would not feel restricted. Once he gets used to his crate, you can close the door for a few minutes, then slowly lengthening the time until he gets used to it.
4. Place the crate in a nearby location to your bedroom to prevent separation anxiety.
5. Establish the toilet location. Train him daily by taking him to the “toilet” upon waking up and before sleeping. Make use of only one place for this.
6. Puppies understand body language. Do not shout at him for mistakes. The more he will not follow you. Instead, teach him commands and always give him treats.
7. It is normal for accidents to happen during crate or house-training. In his first days at home, you should be home for at least five days to get to know each other and establish the correct place for eliminating.
8. Initially, your puppy will be crying most of the time at night because he needs to pee. Monitor your puppy’s daily activities and walk him to the toilet in the middle of the night until the intervals get too long. Take him immediately back to his bed after peeing.
9. Make a potty schedule. Take him to the toilet upon waking up and before sleeping. Observe his routine and add the toilet breaks as necessary.
10. Once he poops at the couch or somewhere wrong, immediately clean it up, apply a disinfectant to remove any scent that might make him re-think his toilet location and continue his house training.
11. Housetraining involves lots of patience. Stay positive and be consistent with your puppy’s training.
