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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
    
Location: Kansas | My blue heeler puppy will be ready around march 23rd. I'm not very good at potty training a puppy, I have a medium sized crate that he will stay in during the day, and at night until he's trained.
Question is........how do I start the process? I would be leaving him in while I'm at work, and he would have free run of the house/yard once I'm off work. Any special tips?
I'm not very good at this kind of thing.... | |
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 Hummer's Hero
Posts: 3071
Location: Smack Dab in the Middle | You will have a little difficulty if you are going to leave him all day. Rule of thumb is that puppies can "hold it" for about as many hours as they are months old, especially in the beginning.
But as for training, take him out after he drinks and eats, and immediatly after he sleeps. Put him in the area you want him to use, and tell him "go potty" (or whatever phrase you intend to use, but be very consistant with it) but don't talk to him much other than that. Once he pottys, praise him well. I'd always praise, them give mine a little treat when we went inside. I made them earn the treat by sitting, or increasingly difficult commands or tricks, but it was something that they looked forward to and always made it a good experience. Making them earn the treat was just a way to quick train one for other things...sit, down, shake, roll over, speak, etc.
I never had any trouble with my aussies, and typically had them making it all day or night by 4-5 months, but remember it takes time for them to train their bladders too. Be consistant with your phrase; I can pretty much talk my dogs into going even if they don't really have to. | |
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Hummer's Hero
Posts: 3071
Location: Smack Dab in the Middle | Also, don't use the crate to punish, but more as a happy place for the pup when you can't keep a close eye on him. Make it comfortable...piece of carpet works great until he can be trusted to not tear up a bed. A favorite toy, and a chewy bone or toy to occupy him. Put it in a quiet place, make sure it's not too hot or cold. I never give food or water in the crate--that's asking for an accident. My dogs always loved their crate, and would nap in them with the doors wide open. | |
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