House training is among the very first things you introduce to your puppy upon arriving home. .you should already have everything ready before he gets there. The first week is also important as that is when you are able to create house rules for your pup. Below, we are going to outline the steps to house train your puppy in just 7 days.
How to house train a puppy in 7 days
Understand that your dog is quite contextual. This means that he is going to stick to the habits he picks up in your house. Therefore, having several rules to facilitate your coexistence is not such a bad idea. House training will need you to be patient and consistent. Now, let us look at the day by day steps to house train your pup in a week.
Day 1: Setting boundaries and establishing a good routine
As we have mentioned above, house training should begin right away. Immediately your dog gets home, starts establishing a routine. This may include the feeding time, play/walk time as well as bedtime. You will need to determine the times at which your pup needs to eliminate.
Now, this means that you feed her at 7 AM in the morning the first day, this should always be the case. The key to successfully house train a puppy is to be consistent. To make it easy for you to remember, consider putting his feeding schedule at the same time as yours.
Unlike adult dogs, puppies may feed more times in a day. Roughly, you will feed him three to four times per day. Note that these feeding schedules should be followed by a potty break 10-30 minutes later. Whether you are using paper pads, litter box, or crate training, guide him to the potty area when he needs to eliminate. Also, take him to the potty are every one hour.
You should also include playtime and exercise sessions in this schedule. Not only will you be able to interact with your pup but it is good for him. A well-exercised dog will rarely develop anxiety or stress issues.
Ensure that you set a wakeup and bedtime for your puppy. Besides, he will need to nap during the day and you must guide him to the potty area each time he wakes up. Take your new pup outside right before bedtime to minimize the chances of house soiling during the night.
Do not take your puppy to bed with you, no matter how desperate he might appear. This is going to set an unhealthy trend and thus slow down the process of house training a puppy in 7 days.
Day 2: Consistency
We have already mentioned that dogs are quite contextual in that they tend to pick habits quickly. Day 1 of house training is the most challenging. You are trying to set the house rules but you can see how scared your pup is. However, consistency is key in this process.
On the second day, repeat the entire process from the first day. However, this time, pay close attention to your puppy. Even though puppies can hold pee up to two hours, consider taking him out for pee breaks every hour.
This is not going to be all smooth. Sometimes you may take him to the potty area and he will not do it no matter what. It can be confusing when your puppy does this as you will not be able to tell when he is likely to eliminate. Take him every hour and watch out for the signs of elimination.
Instead of going back, ensure that he is on a leash when you take him to the potty area. Use the same potty area as the previous day. You want to create an association of the potty area with the main activity, elimination. Therefore, stick to the same potty spot at all times.
To encourage your puppy to go to the potty, ensure that each bathroom break is enjoyable. Fortunately for you, puppies do not need much to have fun. You can bring a meaty treat with you and offer it to him once he eliminates it. Alternatively, verbal praises will also do, and so will other forms of reward like a play session.
However, make sure that your puppy does not get distracted when you are out there. Always keep him on a leash especially if his potty area is outdoors.
Day 3: Designated Potty Area
Whether you are house training your pup on a crate, or pen, having a designated potty area is an important detail we need to talk about. It is not always possible to take your dog outside for a potty break. This is especially if you live in the high-rise apartments.
If this is the case for you, you need a permanent solution. You can use paper pads or even a nice litter box. Place the latter strategically, which means, not way too far from his crate or pen. Ideally, you can place the litter box/paper pad near the bathroom.
The designated potty place should be easily accessible. In the case, the potty area is outdoors always using the same door when leading him outside. This way, he can always find his way to the area when you are done training him.
If the potty area is located way too far from his crate or pen, your pup may not get there sometimes. He might end up soiling the house. Do not punish by yelling or hitting him. Instead, clean it up and probably increase the number of bathroom breaks in a certain period of time. For instance, you can take him to the potty area thrice in two hours.
Also, choose a nice potty area that you will not have to move every now and then. Within the third day, your puppy has already adapted to eliminating in your chosen spot. This is a big win for you as you go on to house train your puppy in 7 days.
Day 4: Master the signs your pup is about to eliminate
We recommend that you spend the first few weeks with your puppy. However, the very first week should give you a clue of what to expect when your pup wants to eliminate it. Master the change in behavior right before you get your puppy to the potty area.
Given that puppies will eliminate a few minutes, say 10-30 minutes, after each meal, you can be able to estimate when to take him to the potty area. However, understand that you need to offer your pup as much clean water as possible. This means that he might need to pee even more regularly.
Therefore, you need to understand the signs that your pup wants to eliminate in order to avoid accidents in the house. We shall back up a little bit and go back to the day one schedule. I am sure you have included several bathroom breaks in there. Also, take him to the potty break every morning, right after he wakes up.
However, in some cases, your puppy might suddenly want to eliminate it. It could be because he has an upset tummy or has been drinking a lot of water. Even if it is unlikely for him to pee, according to your timings, look out for any of the following signs:
Circling around – whether in a crate or pen, your puppy will stop what he is doing immediately he has the urge to eliminate. By now, he knows that he is not supposed to go into the house and he can only hold it for a short period of time. Circling around is a sure sign that he wants to be let out to go potty.
A sudden change of behavior – in the instance you were just playing with your pup, he will, once again, stop playing.
Sniffing and whining – in addition to circling, when your puppy will also sniff around while whining. In addition, he might start scratching his crate or pen door as well as exhibit restlessness.
Observe and understand some of the signs that your puppy wants to eliminate. Immediately take him to the potty area. You should have an idea of your puppy’s behavior by the fourth day.
Day 5: Handling accidents
There is no doubt that your puppy is learning by now. However, accidents are not uncommon especially when you are house training a pup for the first time. By the fifth day of house training, you should experience fewer accidents
When these accidents happen, it can be a little frustrating especially after all the effort and time you invest in the house training. Do not be pissed off at your dog for these minor accidents, even when he ruins your couch. Instead, focus on the positive and be consistent with training.
Dogs do not understand punishment. The only thing you will teach your pup when you punish him is not to soil the house in your presence. This does not mean that he will not do it when you are not around. Thereby, this will only take you back to step one.
If your puppy has an accident when you want to house train him in 7 days, be calm and clean it up. However, you should take several measures to ensure that your puppy does not get accidents often. For instance, ensure that you take him to potty first thing in the morning. Also, right after breakfast and every other meal.
Restrict your pup from accessing other rooms where he might want to eliminate. For instance, they love items with a fluffy feel such as carpets, couch, and even your bed. Always have him under supervision when he is out of his crate or pen.
Day 6: What is progress?
On day 6, you have surely spent some time with him. This means that you can be able to track your progress. You have mastered the signs he will give you when he needs to eliminate. Also, you have most likely bonded with each other already. Now, analyze the learning progress. This should include the number of accidents he has had, as well as the circumstances that led him to do so. You can always avoid house soiling accidents.
However, should your puppy have multiple accidents repeatedly, take him to the vet for a check-up? Your vet will be able to examine him to rule out any medical complications that may be involved. It could be that he is unable to hold it.
Note that your puppy is still too young to be left all alone at home. Therefore, be sure that the first seven days you can spend as much time as possible. Always have someone cover for you when you need to run errands that will take some time.
Day 7: Yay! You kept it consistent
When the 7th day comes, it is clear that you have made it to the last day. Your puppy should be familiar with the surroundings as well as the house rules. This is a good thing for you. However, it does not mean that you are done.
As we discussed on the second day, you must remain consistent. Let this routine be what you both do every day, without skipping any steps. Ensure that you are feeding him well but be careful not to overdo it.
You probably have a relationship going on with your puppy already. He knows his potty area as well as a wake-up and bedtime hours. Now it is all about helping him stick to the routine before you can introduce any other skills.
After the 7th day, you may want to teach your puppy how to hold it for a little while. Gradually increase the intervals between bathroom breaks. For instance, take him out 10 minutes late for the usual potty break. Be very careful when doing so as he might not be able to hold it sometimes.
Conclusion
Puppy training is the single most important thing to do when you bring your puppy home. However, it needs a lot of attention and patience to be able to fully house train a puppy in 7 days. The goal is to come up with a schedule that allows regular trips to the potty area.
As you house train him, remember to remain consistent every day. Do not miss the feeding schedule else you will have issues with house soiling accidents. Do not move the initial potty area during the training process. This is only going to confuse your pup and end up unsuccessful in house training him. Always watch out for any signs that he has an urge to eliminate and rush him to the potty place.
