Dogs and pups are most likely to go to the toilet after meals, after playing (including excitement and activity) or upon waking from a sleep. However, this can vary with age, weather, environment, stress/anxiety, routines (general and feeding) and medical conditions.
Puppies
Take advantage of your puppy’s natural instincts. Dogs in the wild are fastidious about keeping their den and nests clean, so dogs generally do not toilet where they sleep or eat
Short Term Confinement Area
To start with, keep your puppy in a short term confinement area. The best option is to have a crate, with an extended area cordoned off by an ex-pen. This area should be set up with your puppy’s bed, water and enrichment toys. (Allowing a puppy full access to your house is like allowing a toddler to roam around your house unsupervised!). Feed and play with your puppy in this area to create a good association.
Associations
The association with a toilet spot will be built of the following things:
• Smell (of urine, faeces or ammonia)
• Location
• Surface (e.g. grass, sand, tiles, newspapers etc.)
• A word, command or sound
• Physiological things like feeding, sleeping and playing.