Lets Get started!

What are the prime times for a puppy to go?

• After they eat/drink
• Waking up
• During play

Here is what you need to get started:

• paper and pen - write down all bathroom times as a foundation for time framing.
• crate - proper sized crate should just be large enough for them to stand up, turn around and lay down in comfortably.  A condo sized crate allows them to much room to roam, they end up going in the crate and move away to a dry area.
• proper crate location- easy access to the outside is necessary.  The longer it takes to get out, the more likely to pup will not make it.
• selected potty area - this is where they go.  Being in this space means potty time.  Use simple garden fencing to mark off areas.  The space does not need to be huge, maybe a 4x6 foot outside space.
• leash and collar - to keep the pup relegated to one area and one task.  You need to see the puppy go to know what to do after.
• timer - alerts you to potty times
• Baby gates - keeps the pup in regulated areas for free time.

Remember our goal is to teach the puppy, offer repetition of behaviors, remove options of where to go and create sanity for yourself.

Step 1: You need to know how your puppies system functions.

• Write down every time the pup goes to the bathroom.  This includes inside the house/crate and outside. Spend about a week in doing this to get a as clear and accurate time frame of your puppy's habits and physical functions.
• Make this information into a time chart.   The time chart should be simple and indicate the times and what the puppy does.  Ex. 6 Am pee and poops; 8 Am-pees; 11AM -pee and poop; 1:30- pee and so on.
• The time chart becomes your working format of potty runs, crate time and free time in the house.

Step 2:

• Put your chart some place everyone can see.  All are involved with the process, so information should be easy access.
• Start with the pup in crate.
• First outside run in the morning, put your puppy on leash and collar before leaving the crate.  If really young, just pick up and carry out!
• Take them to the door with a potty call such as: "Let's go potty"
• Go outside with them on leash and collar to a specific potty area.  Important you do not play or make this an excitement time.  Simply stand basically in the same area, letting the pup sniff for that favorite spot.
• Repeat a chant: "let's go potty" or what every fits nicely for you.
• Give your pup 15 minutes to go to the bathroom.
• If the puppy goes, they get 20-30 minutes free time in a regulated location such as the kitchen.

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