It is so important that you house train your dog as soon as possible after you bring a puppy (or older dog) into your home. It takes a lot of patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement on a consistent basis in order to succeed. The end goal is to build a relationship with your dog where they understand your instruction implicitly, have a loving relationship with you, and have good habits where the rules are followed at all times. There are several ways in which you can house train your dog, at home alone, through residential dog training and a more intensive period of dog training, or a combination of both. It is worth exploring all options to find the best solution for your dog and your specific needs and goals.
It can take some puppies up to a year to be fully house trained, but with the vast majority if takes between 4-6 months. The previous home and living conditions of a dog can have a massive bearing on the ability to learn new habits and orders. That is why it is so important to be strict and consistent with your approach once you have decided the best route to take for you and your dog. There will be setbacks along the way, but with an intensive programme of house training, such as through residential dog training for instance, it is more likely to stick quickly with your dog and good habits formed.
With puppies it is recommended that you begin house training as early as possible, between 12 and 16-weeks old. It is at this point that a dog has more control over bladder and bowel movements and can learn how to hold going to toilet. House training might take longer for older dogs that have yet to be house trained or has become used to performing bad habits consistently.
When a dog is first being started on a house-training programme there are a few pointers to help it stick and be successful. It is important to maintain a regular feeding schedule throughout the process, removing any food or snacks between meals (aside from any treats that might be used as part of the dog training process). Always take a dog out first thing in the morning, and always after each meal and after a nap, with a walk at the very end of the day before sleep. Always take a puppy to the exact same spot to go to toilet, where the dog’s scent will act as a prompt to do business on that same spot. Stay with your dog at first and offer praise and treats when they follow your instructions.
As mentioned, it is important that you remain consistent with your approach, be prepared for set-backs and always offer praise when your dog performs in the way you want them to. Residential dog training services can help you house train your dog over an intensive period that shortens the learning time and helps your dog to integrate in your home over a much shorter period of time.
