Have Realistic Housetraining Expectations
Puppies less than 12 to 14 weeks have limited control over elimination and your home is a new environment where the rules are not yet clear! As your puppy grows and gains control of his elimination habits, you can begin to rely more on his signals and on your knowledge of his elimination schedule to dictate when you will take him outside. Still, always err on the side of good judgment, taking him outside more frequently than needed, rather than not often enough. Once housetraining is complete, young dogs and adults should still be provided with multiple opportunities per day to go outside for elimination.
Don’t forget, puppies do not yet know how to “ask” to go outside, so do not wait for your puppy to indicate his needs to you. Take him out frequently, and also respond to any signs that he needs to go outside to eliminate.
|