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At 7 weeks your puppy is too young to have good control of its bowels, and
will most likely have several accidents, but you can start training this early
and maybe your pup will be well trained in a few months. Really though, your
puppy should be expected to have accidents for a few more months. He/she isn't mature enough to be able to completely control these functions yet.
Puppies are born with an instinct to keep their beds clean, and a crate
builds on that instinct. When the puppy is confined
to the crate for the night, he can gradually develop better bowel and bladder
control. Of course, that means that you must
get the puppy out of the crate and outside as soon, and as often, as he needs to
go.
One of the most common mistakes dog owners make is giving their dog too much
freedom too soon. Most dogs don't want to take
the time to go outside to relieve themselves, especially if the family is
inside.
- If you have a new puppy, try the puppy pads with the scent built in to
attract the puppy to the pad. I would layer it
between newspaper and put it by the door which I eventually want the pup to use
to go out. Use a plastic trash bag underneath
if you have carpet.
- Every time your puppy wakes up from a nap immediately take him/her outside to
go. Just like us they have to go after a long
sleep. This works wonders to save on accidents.
- When your pup eats his digestive system stimulates him/her to have a bowel
movement within 5-20 minutes. Take the pup out
starting at 5 minutes and stay out with him until he has a movement. This will
help you determine when he/she will need to go
after feeding time.
- As you stand around waiting for your pup to eliminate keep repeating a
phrase. This will work later on as a "bathroom" command. I used "hurry up"...
mostly 'cause I was standing outside in my bathrobe during the middle of
Winter.
- Find your pup's signal. Each one of my chis has his/her own signal that
he/she uses to let us know when they have to go out.
When you find your chi's signal, and this will take a lot of observation, you
will have achieved the most important step.
- Use touch, sounds and affection as the "reward" for a job well done.
Otherwise your pet will be asking to go outdoors just to get a food treat.
- NEVER rub your chi's nose in his/her feces or urine. This is an old and outdated
cruel method. Do not HIT your puppy. This
may cause him to become rebellious and you will have a chi that will mess in the
house.
Getting to know your Chi can be fun
and full of laughs, so take your time, watch for their signals and most of all
give them lots of love.
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