New puppy

[AnnieA]

Tomorrow I am collecting my new puppy - a X j.r/llapso apso. I have lots of experience with dogs as always been part of our family. Has anybody got any quick fixes on toilet training. I dont want to take him outside in the winter months! I have bought puppy pads for starters for inside use. Any suggestions plse?

[john]

Yer puppy pads are a good start, then maybe just try feeding him at regular times only so you can tell when he's going to do his woopsies , then you can take him out just to do his business hen bring him straight back in.

Might be a bit difficult as always with anything puppy related lol

[Leader]

There are no quick fixes in puppy training. Consistency, being observant, and having a set routine are aids that owners can use.

I do not recommend teaching a puppy - no matter how big or small - that it's o.k. to eliminate in the house. By teaching them that it's o.k. to eliminate in the house even as a puppy may never leave them. Why re-teach a behavior later on and having the very real confusion in the pup's mind happen because you are lazy and don't want to go outside? Yeah, winter isn't much fun standing outside waiting for the little tyke to produce - but do it. Where I live, it is a necessity to get on a parka, snow boots, hat, mitts - but myself and others do it. (And even when it is -20C or colder, we still do it!)

I counsel my clients to keep the pup restrained during the house training period until they have shown that they have some sort of understanding. They must EARN THE PRIVILEGE to be off lead in the house. By restraining, the pups are either on a lead (tethered to the person or a very solid object), or in a crate. By observing the pup's behavior, it is much easier to catch them before they eliminate. Use cue words for eliminations - and yes, dogs will learn to "pee" or "poo" (or whatever you use) on command. Take the pup out on lead - don't just sent them out on their own. You have no way of knowing that they have done their business and, more importantly, you have no way of reinforcing positively the right behavior. Remember, pups will eliminate when they first wake up, after eating, and during play and/or excitement.

Being consistent, rewarding the desired behavior - outside - and the house training will progress rapidly.

[Natalie]

Thanks Leader, great advice there!

[mac.]

i agree consitstency, and rewards is the best bet and there is no way of getting outside in the wintre months thats part of being a puppy owner, your dog needs to go out everyday for a lead walk at least otherwise it could put to much weight on and also you could get energy problems as well.

[jay]

hi there! we have westie x lhapso, he's now 12wks, no real problems with toilet training so far, using puppy pads, but he is also taken into the garden at regular intervals, eg when waking, after food etc, however he really does have a mind of his own, so training is lets say interesting lol! love to know how your pup is getting on, kind regards jay

[ellie4]

I agree with being consistent and patient. They are only babies after all!