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"All About Pitbulls"
All About Pitbulls: Page 13
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House training your Pit Bull puppy
To begin the house training process with your Pit Bull puppy, you need
to first determine a suitable place outside your house where he can
relieve himself. Once you have found that place, give your puppy a
little tour around to let him get acquainted with the new area.
The next step is to restrict his freedom inside the house. Your Pit
Bull puppy is less inclined to relieve himself near his sleeping
quarters. By restricting him to certain areas in your house, he will
be more likely to hold himself. However, do not make him wait too
long. Even if your Pit Bull puppy is physically strong, he still has
very weak control over his bladder and bowel movements.
If you do not find the time to take him outside often enough, and
whenever he needs to go, then you leave him with no other choice but
to relieve himself on your carpet. Once you notice that he needs to
use the bathroom, then you need to take him outside immediately and
stay with him until he has finished relieving himself. As soon as he
is finished doing his deed, remember to reward him with praise and
plenty of treats to let him know how pleased you are.
Do not expect more from your Pit Bull puppy than he is physically able
to do. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that a puppy can hold
his bowels for as many hours as his age in months. For example, a
three-month old puppy can hold it in for about three hours.
There is however, a limit to this rule. It is sensible not to expect
your twelve-month old puppy to hold his bladder or bowel movements for
twelve hours. If he is forced to stay inside the house for longer
than you can reasonably expect him to hold it in, you are causing an
accident to happen. At the same time, you are teaching your puppy to
go in the wrong place. Installing a doggy door is a very effective
way to house train your Pit Bull puppy. Once he gets the idea and
becomes familiar with where he needs to go, he will usually let
himself out to do his deed while you are gone.
When he relieves himself inside the house, he labels that area as his
bathroom and will likely to go there again. If your Pit Bull puppy
does have an accident in your house, clean and deodorize the area
thoroughly and then block his access to that area. If you catch him
in the act, say 'no' in a firm voice and rush him outside. Punishing
him for relieving inside your house will not help him learn any faster
and in fact can hinder progress.
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