When a new Springer Spaniel puppy arrives, one of the most challenging chores a family faces is housebreaking the dog. This means the Springer Spaniel will use the restroom outside instead of using your home and furniture as a toilet.
Many people believe that potty training a Springer Spaniel is difficult, but it does not have to be. If you arm yourself with a wealth of knowledge about the best ways to house train your Springer Spaniel, you’ll be well on your way to having a dog who goes to the potty when and where you want him to.
Now that you have decided to toilet train your Springer Spaniel puppy, the next step is to determine how to go about it. A potty-trained Springer Spaniel can start at any age, but the optimal time is between eight and twelve weeks.
If you start a housebreaking regimen as soon as you bring your Springer Spaniel puppy home, he will gradually figure out where he should go to relieve himself. A few different methods can be used, so it is important to find one that will work best for both you and your pup.
Are Spaniels Easy To Potty Train?
Housebreaking a Springer Spaniel puppy is a process that takes time and patience, but with these tips, you are on your way to having a dog who goes to the potty when and where you want him to.
Crate Training
One popular method is crate training. With this approach, you will keep your pup in a crate whenever you cannot supervise him. This means that he is not left alone for hours on end, but accidents will also be kept to a minimum. Once you notice him beginning to go to the bathroom, bring him outside so he can finish there. Always reward your pup with praise or food treats when he successfully goes outside.
Keep The Pup On Leash
Another popular method is to keep your pup on a leash at all times and take him out whenever you notice him trying to go to the bathroom. This will require more of your attention, but it also means that accidents are unlikely, as you can immediately bring him outside when they occur. However, this method does require a bit more effort since you must keep your pup on a leash at all times.
Keep A Close Check
Keeping a close check on your Springer Spaniel puppy is an important part of successfully housetraining him. Whether you notice him smelling, circling, or squatting, quickly take him outside to the location where you want him to go and observe if he eliminates. If he does, heap praise on him.
A hint, such as “hurry,” is a great way to let your Springer Spaniel puppy know what you want him to do. Repeat the cue when he goes to the bathroom, and then lavish praise on your Springer Spaniel for a job well done. It is preferable to take the Springer Spaniel out and have nothing happen than risk an accident.
Follow A Schedule
One of the best ways to successfully potty train your Springer Spaniel puppy is to create a schedule and stick to it. This means taking him outside at specific times, such as after he wakes up, eats, and immediately after playing. Doing so will help him develop a routine for going to the bathroom and make it easier for both of you to know when it is time to go outside.
Do Not Let The Puppy Stroll Freely
Allowing your Springer Spaniel puppy to run around the home will almost certainly result in an accident. If you don’t want to use a dog crate, or even if you do, confining your Springer Spaniel to specific areas of your home might make housetraining easier for everyone.
It’s difficult to keep a Springer Spaniel puppy under control when he has free reign of the house; however, if you keep him confined to the kitchen, he’ll be able to participate in the action while being more supervised in the event of an accident.
Use The Same Area Every Time
Pick a specific area outside for your Springer Spaniel puppy to go to the bathroom. Using neutral surfaces will allow you to praise him anywhere, so long as he goes. Their presence in the neighbourhood will entice them to go.
Make Association With A Specific Item
Finding anything that your dog associates with going to the bathroom, such as a different leash or a specific chew toy, means that they will instinctively know to go to the bathroom whenever you show them this object.
Use The Pee Command
It’s time to teach your dog ‘the pee command’ once he’s mastered the basics. This means you’ll have more control over when your puppy goes to the bathroom, and you’ll be able to assist with transitions between schedules.
To avoid confusion with your dog, first, choose a command word and a tone of voice, and make sure you keep to it. After that, say the command every time your dog goes to the bathroom. This creates a mental link in the dog’s mind, causing him to go to the bathroom every time you repeat the command, which is very handy on walks.
When you are out in public, it is important to carry an absorbent pad with you at all times. Use these pads when your puppy cannot be supervised, whether when you’re in the car or a store. Pads are easy to use and can prevent accidents in places where they may be inconvenient or embarrassing.
Summary
Many people find that one of the easiest ways to house train a Springer Spaniel puppy is to combine these methods. Try crate training during the day and then take him out on a leash at night. This will help ensure that your pup always has a place to go when nature calls.
Regardless of which method you choose, there are several important things to remember. First, take your puppy out the same door every time so that he will learn to associate that door with going to the bathroom. Also, always praise him when he goes outside to know that he is doing the right thing.
And lastly, be patient – it may take a while for your pup to learn how to toilet train fully. But with consistency and patience, you will be able to successfully potty train your Springer Spaniel puppy.