The natural instinct of a puppy is to urinate and defecate away from the immediate "den" are, which is the place reserved for rest, play and feeding. The instinct can be seen as early as three weeks of age, but it can be overruled by training or inappropriate housing after eight to twelve weeks of age. Therefore, it is between one and three months of age that the crucial training occurs and determines success or failure.
Puppy Training
- Crates replicate the "den" environment and usually inhibit the toileting reflexes.
- Timed exercise: at one to two hourly intervals throughout the day, take the puppy outdoors to the spot or area intended as the long-term toileting zone.
- Watch, wait and be patient.
- Reward and praise witnessed urination and defecation with titbits and a "password" such as "busy".
- Play with the puppy after successful toileting, then return indoors.
Meals stimulate the gastro-intestinal reflexes, so perform the above steps after feeding. Do not feed after 6pm, so as to reduce the need to "go" overnight. Punishment is usually misunderstood by puppies and is detrimental to a training regime. DO NOT rub noses in "it".
Toilet Training Adult Dogs
1.Apply the same methods with an adult as though to a puppy. Learning a routine will encourage toileting.
2.The fibre content of the diet affects the volume of a faeces formed - feed a low fibre diet, such as meat and white rice.
3.Exercise away from home (remember to "Poop Scoop"). Exercise encourages defecation. If unable to run free, use an extending lead.
4.Isolation from the owner may provoke anxiety and involuntary toileting. Illness may also disrupt accustomed toilet habits.
5.Food is the best deterrent to indoor toileting. Feed on the
spots previously soiled. Use appropriate cleaning agents such as "Odour
Eliminator" to remove the smell of past accidents.
Problem Avoidance
DO NOT PAPER TRAIN - it is misleading and confusing to train puppies
to use newspaper indoors. Establish a routine of toileting outdoors as
early as possible.