Potty Training 101

English Golden Retriever Puppies for sale Idaho

I second these excellent thoughts written by AKC blogger Justin Moorman.

Accidents in the house are a normal issue that Golden Retriever puppy owners deal with and can often be frustrating. Even older, trained dogs can fall offer the wagon. These tips can help pups of all ages get on track and stay on track with house training! *It is important to note that any unusual urination/defecation, especially with older, trained dogs, should be reported to your veterinarian as it may have medical causes. The Two Keys to Housetraining #1. It’s 24/7 Training: Watchful Eye and Confinement Your pup should be under direct supervision or confined, at all times. Consistency is key when it comes to housetraining so staying diligent about this supervision is imperative for success. Good options for this are in a crate or on a leash. Crates should be large enough that the pup can stand up, move around and lay comfortably but small enough that they do not want to soil their “house.” When outside, your pup should be with you on a leash so that you can praise your pup when he has done well and so that you can monitor his eliminations. #2. Give Feedback After Elimination. Your pup should be rewarded immediately after “doing his business” outside successfully. Healthy Golden puppy treats are often a good reward. Other dogs feel rewarded enough by an excited “good boy!” or “good girl!” and a pat. Rewards should take place within 2 seconds of finishing. (Puppies have a very short attention span!) Every attempt at eliminating indoors should be interrupted and redirected outdoors even if the deed has already been done. This is where the watchful eye comes into play. Business Before Pleasure Your pup should learn that business is always going to come before pleasure. For consistency, pick an area in your yard that will be the “potty area”. Always take your pup out on a leash even if you have a fenced-in yard. This is so you can monitor his eliminations and offer immediate praise. 1. Be boring when taking your pup outside. As difficult as it might be, refrain from giving any attention or play until AFTER your puppy eliminates. The more you engage your puppy, the less likely he is to focus on the task at hand. A good rule of thumb is to stay outside for no more than 5-10 minutes to give ample time and not feel rushed. 2. After success, you can reward your pup as previously mentioned with a healthy puppy treat or verbal praise. Again, rewards should be given within 2 seconds of elimination so the pup associates the praise with the pottying outside. After that, you can offer attention, playtime, going for a walk or letting him off-leash if it is safe to do so. These activities serve as another reward for good behavior and encourage your young pup to hurry up on his toilet trips. How to Handle Accidents With potty training, accidents are inevitable. The only time you can address an accident is in the moment it is happening. Interrupt accidents with clapping or a distinct but nonaggressive verbal cue, but refrain from harsh punishment. Harsh noises or voices may scare your Golden Retriever puppy and in the future, he may refrain from going to the bathroom in front of you at all! Startle him just enough to make it unpleasant, then bring him outside to his spot to finish. If you notice the accident any more than 15 seconds after it happens, you are better off not giving him feedback at all and just cleaning it up. Make a note to self to pay better attention next time. Cleaning Tip: Clean up any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner or a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. Avoid ammonia-based products. When to Take your Golden Retriever Puppy Out Your pup should be taken out at regular intervals based roughly on his age. Most puppies will be able to hold it the number of hours equal to their age in months, plus or minus an hour with a maximum of 8 hours. For example: 2 months old = 1 to 3 hours 4 months old = 3 to 5 hours 6 months old = 5 to 7 hours Puppies should also go out immediately after waking up, during/after playing, and after finishing a meal. I, April would add that most of our puppies can hold urine 6 hours at 8 weeks overnight. What goes in, must come out! Some puppies benefit from a regulated food/water schedule. This trains their system to eliminate at more predictable intervals. Picking up your puppy’s food and water 2 hours before bedtime can help them to make it through the night. During the day, offer your puppy water for 10-15 minutes at a time and the best time is after he goes outside. Then remove water until next time. Back on the wagon! Whether your Golden pup is 8 weeks old, or 8 years old, these tips can help you get on track with house training. If these tips don’t work for you, contact a qualified professional to get hands-on help!