There is no doubt that when you spot that puddle of piddle seeping into your carpet or expanding on your wood floor, you’re not going to be ecstatic, but each accident your puppy has is actually a learning lesson for you. How can that be you might ask? The truth about housetraining accidents is that most can be prevented, and each accident your puppy has is a lesson in how to prevent the next one. It also teaches you how to identify the problem, and correct it for the future.
Barring a medical condition or severe separation anxiety, puppies typically have household accidents because they do not yet know where to go, how to ask, or simply couldn’t hold it any longer. As the puppy’s parent and trainer, it is your responsibility to spot the reason your puppy is having accidents and fix the problem.
Common Reasons For Accidents:
Too much freedom!
Letting your puppy roam free is a recipe for disaster, and will hurt the potty training process. It is important that you limit the space your puppy has. Use closed doors and baby gates when you’re home, and crates or indoor play pens when you’re away or asleep.
Not enough potty visits outside (or to potty spot if indoors).
Puppies go a lot! Especially when they are 8-12 weeks old. You may be taking your puppy to his potty spot every 30 minutes when he is awake and moving. He also needs to go out when he wakes up, during long play sessions, and when he eats and drinks.
Where’d the little guy go?
If you don’t see him, he may be having an accident or getting into some other kind of trouble. Close supervision is essential. It’s the best way to keep him out of trouble, and most importantly, if you don’t see your puppy having an accident it is impossible to correct the situation.
If you’re puppy is having accidents, evaluate the how and why of the accident and look for what part is missing. Then you can work to resolve it before the next time. The best way to keep track of accidents is to write down when the puppy is going potty, and create a schedule to match his routine. A potty journal helps you see exactly what is going on, and will put you both on the road to success.
Remember: try not to get frustrated or mad at your puppy.
Raising a puppy is an exercise in patience and will help you harness your inner-chi! So take it one step at a time, puppy bliss is right around the corner!
Bringing a new family addition into the home is extremely exciting! Becoming a new puppy parent comes with a ton of new joys, challenges and responsibilities. PupBox was created to help new puppy parents like yourself, by providing all of the toys, treats, accessories and training information you need, when you need it. CLICK HERE to learn more about PupBox.
And remember, puppyhood is fast and is gone before you know it. Make sure to savor the time when your pup is young, and take lots of pictures along the way!
