Help! My Puppy Isn't Potty Trained!

This is one of the most fretted over statement that puppy owners have. It was surprising for me to learn that the number one reason that pups are in shelters is because they had potty training issues. What a shock! Especially when the problem can be so easily remedied!

I have bred many Labrador puppies over the years. Each new owner is briefed on what to expect when they get their little bundle of mischief home, what to feed him or her and what vet shots are due and why we do that. I also make a list for them of all the possible issues that the pup may present with. Why? Because informed is forewarned and fore armed ! Some issues I list can be to do with constant barking, chewing furniture/toys/anything, shyness, aggression, and potty training.

Out of all of the issues I have listed above, I think potty training is the one that really gets under the new owners skin. They see is as a little more personal than just having their tennis shoe chewed....they feel that if they had have put their shoes in their closet then the temptation wouldn't have been there. But potty training, well.........

I tell new owners that the best piece of advice that they will ever get about their dog and their doges behaviour is to be consistent. There is little point berating your pup today for chasing the cat when tomorrow you laugh and encourage it. Dogs LOVE repetitiveness. And lets face it, most of us are also creatures of habit. If you can use the same commands every time you require your dog to do something, the chances of your dog learning that command is doubled.

When potty training pups, using the same commands is imperative. The pup needs to be rewarded and discouraged from certain behaviour and it also needs to know how you feel about it performing the correct command or not. Often times I suggest it is the owner that needs to be trained as they are the ones setting the rules for the pup. If you aren't sure what is expected, how do you expect that little ball of mischief to know?

I thoroughly recommend getting good solid advice on the matter. Some vet clinics will suggest various methods but leave it all rather thin on the information and its up to you when you get home to remember and implement. I prefer to have a manual that I can go back to again and again in case there's something I missed if I am not getting the desired result.

At the end of the day, persistence, consistency and patience will have you and your pup enjoying a long and happy relationship together.