One of the first tasks you will have as
the proud new owner is to house-train your puppy. There are three
basic rules you need to follow during this process:
- Never be harsh with your puppy.
- Any punishment must be administered immediately after the misdeed
(it will be absolutely useless to administer any punishment a
little while later as the puppy is unable to connect cause with
effect).
- Never rub your puppy's nose in the puddle he has made. This
is not only cruel, but also unhygienic and has no positive effect
whatsoever.
By watching your puppy's behaviour constantly,
you will soon be able to ascertain whether you need to put it outside.
If your dog starts whining or running around restlessly, or if it
starts looking around for somewhere, like a soft rug, take it outside
at once. Praise it lavishly if it relieves itself there. It is, of
course, very possible that, at first you will not notice the signals
your puppy is making and it will do its 'business' inside. When you
witness your puppy doing this, show it the puddle, scold it sharply
and then take it outside. Know that in the beginning your puppy will
relieve itself up to 20 times or more per day, so be prepared! It
is advisable at this early stage to confine your puppy to one room
in the house which is covered with a thick layer of newspapers. If
you are able to notice your puppy's signals in time and put it outdoors
at least five times a day, your efforts should soon start showing
results. Observe what your dog does outdoors as well. Every time he
relieves himself outside, praise him lavishly and show him how pleased
you are with him.
You should be able to notice progress being
made within the first week and after three weeks, your dog should
be indicating to you when it wants to be let out. Try to accustom
it to being let out at specific times.
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