|
For
some owners, housetraining their newly adopted Pug or puppy
can often
be very frustrating. However, with careful supervision, most
young puppies or
older Pugs can be housetrained in two weeks or so. This information
sheet
offers advice on how you can successfully housetrain your
Pug.
Apart
from housetraining a puppy, there may be other circumstances
where a
Pug needs a degree of retraining, such as a dog that has spent
some time in
kennels. In all cases, the same training programme can be
adopted to achieve
successful results. Should your Pug not respond to the training
methods
outlined, seek veterinary advice to ensure the toiletting
problems are not
caused by a medical condition
It
must be emphasised that the single most important aspect of
housetraining is
for the owner to praise and reward the Pug each and every
time it performs in
the chosen toiletting area. Always IGNORE any “mistakes”.
Pugs that are
punished for inappropriate toiletting may become fearful of
performing in
front of the owner, instead, toiletting in the owners absence
or in a hidden area
within the dwelling.
Many
“mistakes” that occur are due to the owners inability
to supervise the
Pug closely or recognise its toiletting needs.
How to housetrain your Pug
1.
Firstly it is important to develop a regular and consistent
routine and
identify the times when the Pug needs to relieve itself
2.
With puppies there is often a fairly set pattern to their
toiletting habits,
eg, immediately after walking, after exercise or play and
after each and
every meal.
3.
Observe changes in behaviour which suggest he or she may need
to
relieve themselves, such as sniffing the floor, circling or
whining.
4.
Ensure that the Puppy is carefully supervised during the times
that
he/she would normally relieve itself. This means that he/she
should
not be out of sight at any time.
5. 1 you are unable to closely supervise immediately then
confine him/her
to an area he/she would not normally choose to go for a very
short
period. As soon as he/she is released, take to the chosen
toilet area.
6.
Very few Pugs, given the choice will relieve themselves in
their own
sleeping area.
7. If he/she is sleeping before you go to bed
then wake him/her to go
outside to toilet before leaving overnight. Gradually extend
the period
of time a puppy is left overnight in between toiletting.
8. During the day take him/her outside to the
chosen area every hour.
9. Wait with him/her quietly until he/she has
performed. It is important
to reward him/her at the right time.
10.
Please note: If he/she has been scolded for toiletting in
the dwelling, it
may be necessary for the owner to hide at a discreet distance
as he/she
may associate toiletting in front of the owner with punishment.
11.
When a puppy goes praise him/her generously but quietly so
as not to
overwhelm and offer a tasty titbit or remain outside using
play as a
form of reward.
12.
Do not instigate free play until the puppy has performed.
13.
Introduce a toilet term to use when the dog toilets such as
“toilet”, “be
quick” or “hurry up” and followed by praise.
Soon, he/she will
associate the chosen toilet term with the action of relieving
him/herself
14.
Once the puppy is becoming more reliable about performing
in the
correct location, extend the period of time between taking
him/her out.
15.
If the puppy has an accident indoors, the soiled surface(s)
should be
thoroughly cleaned with a biological (non ammonia) detergent
to
discourage him/her from repeating the behaviour. It may be
necessary
to restrict the puppies access to these areas,
16.
Check the consistency of bowel movements to ensure they are
solid. It
is important to find a diet which suits your Pug and meets
with his/her
nutritional requirements. If in doubt, discuss with your vet.
17.
Please remember to always take a poop scoop or a simple plastic
bag
when taking your Pug out for housetraining and walks. It is
now a
legal obligation to clean up after your dog in any public
place.
Good
luck
|
