There’s a method I stumbled upon: rapid-fire puppy housetraining. It’s essentially toilet training for your new canine addition in just a week! True, the standard methods take months, but with a new approach that integrates your puppy’s natural instincts and habits, a 7-day success window is achievable. Think about it. That’s a fifty-pound problem you could solve in less time than it takes to rearrange your Netflix watchlist.
The secret lies in how wolves – the ancient cousins of our domesticated dogs – naturally manage their den hygiene. In the wild, wolf pups instinctively begin to eliminate away from their sleeping and eating areas as they mature. Consequently, we can capitalize on those instincts to fast-forward the domestic pup’s potty training process.
Your primary goal this week? Replicate nature artificially by rewarding behaviors you desire and discouraging those you don’t. The good news? It isn’t rocket science. It’s all about keen observation, perfect timing, and utmost patience.
So, buckle up, and let’s dive into this one-week marathon of toilet training your young pup.
Day 1: Designate the Go-Zone and Set a Consistent Mealtime
The first step is designating a specific location where your puppy will regularly answer nature’s call. It’s vital to choose an area easily accessible, relatively constant (not place that will be undergoing changes or renovations soon), and safe for your little furbaby.
Simultaneously, it’s also important to set a consistent mealtime. While puppies under five months need to eat three meals a day, those above can do well with two. Feed your young companion on a fixed timeline each day, as this helps regularize bowel movements, making it easier for both of you to predict their potty breaks.
Day 2: Enforce the 15-Minute Rule and Watch Signs of Need
Leveraging the predictable bowel movements we discussed, encourage your pup to relieve themselves by taking them to the Go-Zone, NO later than 15 minutes after eating. This day is a serious exercise in puppy watching.
Watch for signs of undeniable urgency. Puppies usually sniff around, circle, or start whining when they need to go. The moment you spot these signs, gently take your puppy to the designated area.
Day 3: Layering Commands and Generating Positive Associations
Today is all about molding behavior, cueing responses, and encouraging habit formation. Sitting in the go-zone, quietly start repeating a chosen command— “Go Potty” or “Potty Time”. Ensure it’s a command you’re comfortable using frequently, even in public.
The trick is to repeat it only when they are doing their business. If they understand the association between the command and the act, they will reiterate the act on hearing the command alone. Additionally, heap praises and offer treats instantly once they finish, enhancing the positive vibe around the entire experience.
Day 4 and 5: Increase the Intervals
For the next two days, gradually increase the time between visits to the designated area, making sure it’s a comfortable transition. I recommend a 15-minute increment per day. This helps develop bladder control in your puppy, enabling them to ‘hold’ for longer durations.
Day 6: House-Free Time
This day tests all the hard work from the last few days. Instead of sequestering them in a safe area, let your puppy roam freely around the house under your watchful eyes. Do carry them outside to the Go-Zone every hour or so to maintain the potty routine.
Day 7: Reinforce the Learning
The last day is all about reinforcement. It’s essential to continue the process, reward the right behavior, and keep a keen eye on the pup’s body language to catch any mishap before it happens. Remember, housetraining only works if your pup learns that the house is their den and the Go-Zone is their bathroom.
Keep in mind, though, as promising as this 7-day Crash Course sounds, every puppy is different. Some may master the process in just a week, while others might take a tad longer. There could be the occasional accident, but don’t lose heart. Keep going, and your persistence will pay off. Happy Potty Training!
