We love our dogs (and the feeling is mutual), so we’re willing to overlook some of the minor downsides: the constant need for attention, the barking, the veterinary bills, and of course, the mess left from one of two kinds of accidents that dogs tend to have every so often.
Still, such accidents can be aggravating. So if you want to greatly reduce them, follow these tips from Comfy Carepacks.
1. Start Potty Training Early for Puppies and Dogs New to Your Home
The Humane Society of the United States notes that the key to successfully housebreaking a new puppy is to establish a routine of when to take dogs out to go do their business. Two important parts of that are establishing a place in the yard for them to go and rewarding them when they do. It’s also important for you to watch over them to make sure they don’t suddenly have the urge to go and then soil your carpet or hard floor, especially when they’re puppies.
If it is an older dog you have adopted, he might need a refresher course in learning how to go outside to relieve himself. The process is similar to training a puppy. Put another way: get ‘em out and get ‘em going.
2. Establish a Regular Feeding Schedule
According to the American Kennel Club, you should feed your puppy four times a day, then gradually shorten that time to twice a day before she reaches one year old. But after each feeding, you must take her out to her established area and then give her a treat after she’s successful. As she gets older, she should just walk to the door to go out after she eats.
Also, invest in a higher-quality food without fillers. The rule of thumb is that lower-quality food means more pet waste. Because the lower-quality food has more filler, she will need to eat more of it to feel full, and the filler will just pass through her digestive system, causing her to go more. The less she has to go, the fewer accidents she will have.
3. Don’t Scold Your Dog When She has an Accident
There are plenty of myths when it comes to punishing a dog who accidentally potties on the floor. If you catch your puppy sniffing around and getting ready to squat, simply say, “Uh-uh,” “Ah,” or some other non-threatening sound, and then immediately take her outside to complete her task. In case she does go inside the house, keep plenty of paper towels on hand along with a good odor and stain remover. For more serious accidents, search online for local furniture cleaning companies, then browse the ratings and reviews. Before you settle on a specific business, call a few businesses to get quotes and compare.
4. Make Your House Safe
A curious dog, be they a puppy or grown, can potentially get themselves in trouble at home. It’s important to make sure that any safety hazards are taken care of. Be sure that small solid choking hazards aren’t left lying around. Also be mindful of electrical cords that may present a chewing attraction. Lastly, keep any chemicals stored safely and promptly clean up any spills.
If you can’t keep a watchful eye on your new pup all the time, consider purchasing a crate or a pen. Most dogs will come to love their crates and see them as a den. Although you don’t want to leave your dog crated for too long, they can be safe places for your pet when you need to focus on something else. You can look online for reviews before purchasing.
Remember, dogs who aren't getting enough activity may become frustrated and act out, so make sure your pup is getting a lot of exercise and has a safe place to go to. If you have a busy schedule, hire a dog walker to stop by once or twice a day to walk your dog while you're out, or hire a pet sitter who can keep her company more regularly.
Comfy Carepacks provides pet owners, who are experiencing homelessness, FREE pet food and supplies. Contact us today to learn more! 818-732-9428