Life with a new puppy can seem like all fun and games — until that sweet little pup poops on the rug. Because it takes a lot of time and patience to potty train a puppy, some new dog owners may want to consider seeking professional help from a dog trainer.
Animal behaviourists say that a professional dog instructor can help dog owners overcome some of the most difficult parts of puppy training. Staying consistent is a big challenge for puppy owners going it on their own. It can be hard to take the puppy outside often and regularly enough, and to be aware of their subtle cues. When these problems present themselves, a qualified, experienced trainer can be a big help. Here’s how to find one and what to consider during the process.
Hiring a professional to potty train your puppy
Hiring a professional to potty train your puppy can be a huge time- and energy-saver. After all, house training a puppy is not only a huge time commitment, but one that some busy new dog owners — especially those who have full-time jobs — simply aren’t able to make. For example, early on, a young puppy may need to be taken out consistently and frequently — as often as every half hour — and this gruelling schedule can be tough to keep up with. But if you hire a puppy potty training pro, they can take the reins on this necessary step in the training process.
Puppies excel when they have a predictable environment — which is why it’s so important to be consistent with their training. That’s why it may be best to hire a dedicated professional.
It also bears noting that trainers offer a board and train program in their own homes, which is a helpful option for working professionals who can’t be home during the day to let their puppy out. The trainers in some of these programs will work on basic obedience and potty training your puppy over the course of a few weeks — skills which will transfer over to you as the puppy’s owner.
A professional dog trainer can also help with potty training older dogs. If an adult dog hasn’t been trained, they can’t be left home alone for hours on end. You’ll have to work with them just as you would with a puppy.
How to find trainers/professionals
A quick Google search for local puppy trainers in your town can jumpstart your hunt for the right puppy potty training professional. You’ll do well to look for a trainer who has a Certified Professional Dog Trainer certification or CPDT. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers has a handy online directory of hundreds of CPDTs throughout Canada. You might also inquire with your dog’s veterinarian to see if they know anyone they can refer you to.
How to go about hiring someone to housetrain your puppy
When seeking a dog trainer for your puppy, take the time to interview potential candidates with your pup present. Pay attention to how they interact with your dog and be prepared with some basic questions.
It’s good to start with the following:
- Where did you receive your training?
- Do you have any certifications?
- How long have you been training dogs?
- Do you have experience with puppies?
- What is your philosophy related to training?
- Do you offer any puppy classes or socialization groups?
It’s also a good idea to ask what training methods the dog trainer uses. Shock collars, yanking on the leash and any form of physical violence should never be tolerated. The trainer you choose should have a solid understanding of how puppies learn and how to use rewards and body language to help them.
Any trainer that believes in rubbing puppies’ noses in their mess is a big red flag.
How to yourself up for puppy potty training success
From reading up on puppy potty training tips from respected organizations like the Ontario Humane Society and SPCA or the Canadian Kennel Club to working alongside a professional, there are bevy of ways to ensure that you and your pup hit the milestone you’re aiming for. But it bears noting that, even if you do hire a pro to help you house train your puppy, you will still need to adjust your schedule and make some sacrifices in order to stay on track. It may take a few months to completely house train your pup, and it’s important to stay patient throughout the process.
When potty training your puppy, punishing them for having an accident is an absolute no-go.
If your puppy was making good progress and has a setback, you should back up to the previous step in house training and starting over. For instance, if they managed to hold it for an hour, but are suddenly having accidents, you can try to dial things back to 45 minutes.
And if the problem persists, see your veterinarian who can consider whether your puppy may be dealing with an underlying medical issue (such as a urinary tract infection).