There are many aspects to consider when raising a puppy, so we wanted to detail some of the most important elements, from the perspective of our founder, Lennox Armstrong, an International Dog Trainer School (IDTS) certified dog behavior specialist. This is Part 2 of the 3-part series, and in it we address these puppy topics: Toileting, Saying “No”, Water & Food, Slippery Floors, Activity and Awake Time.
Toilet
Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash
Domestic dogs are among the only, if not the only, species dependent on us for access to a toilet. Puppies don’t have bladder or bowel control. That doesn’t come until they are a young dog, typically at six months.
After waking up, a puppy typically needs to use the toilet. After eating, a puppy typically needs to use the toilet. After being active for a short while, a puppy typically needs to use the toilet. Getting them to the toilet when they need the toilet is all there is to so-called toilet training. No treats, no praise; just get your puppy to the toilet. They’ll be relieved. That’s reward enough. They are born with the want to urinate and defecate well away from where they eat and sleep. If they wake up in the middle of the night, take them to the toilet.
No “no” for Puppies
“They have a Puppy License,” says Turid Rugaas, founder of the International Dog Trainer School (IDTS). Just as you wouldn’t tell a baby not to pee in their diaper, when raising a puppy, don’t tell a puppy not to pee in the house. If it happens, it’s because you weren’t paying attention, getting them to the toilet when they needed the toilet.
Water and Food
I’ve heard many people, including vets, say to limit the amount of water a puppy drinks. I’ve also heard people say to lift the water bowl at 8:00 pm so the puppy doesn’t need to pee in the middle of the night. That’s like refusing a baby a bottle after 8:00 pm so the baby can make it through the night without peeing. When raising a puppy, they should have access to water.
Feed your puppy a variety of fresh food.
Training, Teething, and Driving
A puppy is too young for formal training. Have things that are ok for them to teeth on. Clear the space, as much as possible, of things that aren’t ok to teeth on.
There’s no “no.” If it so happens they start to teeth on something you’d rather they didn’t, be quiet; gently place your hand in between their mouth and whatever they’re teething on, and let them have whatever it is that is ok for them to teeth on.
Puppies get motion sickness. Limit the amount of driving. If you need to drive them somewhere, the further forward in the car they ride the less motion there is.
Mental and Physical Activity
Myofascial, small connective tissue is the foundation which supports bones, joints, organs, and more. A puppy’s bones and joints need considerable time to develop.
So when raising a puppy, they shouldn’t go for a walk, as we think of a walk (on a leash out in the neighborhood) initially. It’s too much, too soon. Let them get to know their home. A few minutes, here and there, of ambling around home is enough mental and physical exercise for a puppy. They might have a few spurts of energy. That’s enough physical exercise for a puppy. Refrain from doing anything to cause a puppy to run around, such as rolling a ball for the puppy to chase after. There’s no need and it can cause many issues.
Slippery Floors
Dogs have a hard time gaining traction on slippery floors, such as hardwood. Laying down, getting up from laying down, standing, sitting, and moving on a slippery floor is challenging for an adult dog let alone a puppy. It’s like being on a skating rink. Prevent injuries by providing traction, especially where they eat, drink, where they sleep (to get in and out of bed), where there are steps, and landings.
Raising a Puppy: 4 Hours per Day of being Awake
They’ll need to sleep after a few minutes of being awake, going to the toilet, eating, drinking, teething, and ambling around. Throughout the day, that adds up to the four hours of being awake. Sleep is essential. Getting enough sleep is important.
At Playschool, are they getting enough sleep, trips to the toilet after they wake up or are they toileting wherever they are after they wake up because people are too distracted with other things? There’s a reason why there’s a bucket filled with water, cleaning solution, and a mop nearby at puppy Playschool and Doggie Daycare. Bring your puppy to the outdoor toilet, that’s “potty training.” That requires someone being with your puppy. Another reason why not to leave your puppy home alone.
About the Author:
Lennox Armstrong is an International Dog Trainer School (IDTS) certified Dog Trainer, Calming Signals and Dog Behavior Specialist through the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Training. His primary professional focus is educating himself and others about how to take care of canines.
