I often tell my clients that housetraining a puppy is not much different than potty training an infant. As a father of 4 and a pet owner of over 60 pets, I am very qualified to speak on both subjects. I am a supporter of positive reinforcement and reward motivation. The first step in potty training a puppy, is to establish a set feeding pattern. Puppies poop after naps, meals and bedtime, so a puppy that is allowed to free feed throughout the day, will have to potty all day long. It will be next to impossible to train. I recommend that puppies be fed twice a day, and be allowed to free feed for a half hour. When a puppy has an accident, DO NOT stick their noses in it or spank them. Take them to the spot and say No in a firm voice. Pick up the feces or urine soaked paper towel, take the puppy and the mess outside and place it on the ground and act as if the puppy had just relieved itself on the grass. Make a big deal and give them a favorite treat. The most important tenet of housetraining a puppy, is patience.
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Puppy
