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Puppy Toilet Training

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Other dog articles

Bite Inhibition
Challenge Feeding Your Dog
Coprophagia - the unfortunately palatable truth
An Introduction to Clicker Training
Puppy Socialisation
Puppy Toilet Training
Preventing Child Dog Bites
Preparing your dog for a new baby
Understanding Dogs' Abilities
A Labrador's Letter To Santa

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To many owners, the most important thing the puppy needs to learn is toilet training.

To us it seems very simple - on newspaper and outside is good, everything else is bad. Unfortunately your puppy is only aware that in his bed is not the best place - any other porous surface is good. Sofas, carpets and clothes are all included in this category and, to your puppy, seem an ideal place to do the deed.

One of the easiest methods of toilet training is to 'crate train' your puppy i.e. confine him when you are not watching him so he only has the chance to go when you can control the situation - ask your vet for details.

Other toilet training tips -

Take your puppy outside after eating, sleeping, drinking or playing as this is when they most need to go.
Take your puppy to the same spot each time so familiar smells remind him what he is supposed to be doing.
Telling your puppy off for 'accidents' after the event will not help and may make things worse as he may avoid going to the toilet anywhere near you!
When you are outside, play with your puppy after he has been to the toilet, not before. This way he will be keen to get on with it so the games can begin.