Toilet Training Your Eskimoyed Samoyed Puppy:
A Guide for New Owners
Toilet training, also known as potty training depending on where you live, is a crucial part of raising a well-behaved Samoyed puppy. At Eskimoyed Samoyeds, we ensure that your new family member is on the right path before they even come home with you. Understanding the process and continuing it in your home is essential for a smooth transition and a happy, clean household.
The Beginning: Toilet Training Starts at 3 Weeks
At Eskimoyed Samoyeds, we begin toilet training when our puppies reach about three weeks of age. This is typically when they start to stand and explore their surroundings. At this early stage, we introduce them to a designated toileting area, separate from their sleeping space. We use artificial turf as the toilet pad, mimicking the feel of real grass. This helps make the transition to outdoor toileting in your home environment easier for the puppies.
As the puppies grow, we gradually move the toileting area further away from their sleeping space. This teaches them to associate toileting with a specific area, reinforcing the habit of keeping their sleeping and play areas clean.
Understanding Your Puppy’s Toileting Routine
Puppies are creatures of habit, and understanding their toileting routine can make the training process much easier. Typically, you can expect your puppy to need a bowel movement within 30 minutes of eating a meal and to urinate within 30 minutes of drinking. It’s also common for puppies to need to relieve themselves immediately after waking up and during or after playtime.
At Eskimoyed Samoyeds, we’ve established a consistent routine for our puppies. We feed them breakfast early in the morning and dinner in the late afternoon, which aligns with their usual toileting times. Our puppies typically have bowel movements between 6:00 am – 7:30 am and again between 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. This routine helps them develop regular habits and makes the transition to their new homes smoother, as you’ll know when to expect them to need a bathroom break.
Verbal Commands:
Encouraging Good Habits
An important part of toilet training is using a consistent verbal command to encourage your puppy to go to the potty. Whether you choose “go toilet,” “go pee pee,” “go wee’s,” or another phrase that suits you, the key is to be consistent. Repeating the same command each time your puppy is taken to their toileting area helps them understand what is expected of them and creates a routine they can follow as they grow.
How to Handle Accidents Appropriately
It’s important to approach toilet training with patience and understanding. Puppies are still learning, and accidents will happen. However, disciplining your puppy harshly for these accidents is counterproductive and can harm your bond with them. Techniques like rubbing their nose in their urine or feces are not appropriate and can cause confusion and fear rather than teaching them where to go.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement by praising your puppy and offering treats when they go in the correct spot. Clean up accidents without fuss, and use enzymatic cleaners like CSI Urine or P-Off to remove any scent that might attract them back to the same spot. Prevention is key: Once a puppy has soiled an area, particularly on carpet, it can be challenging to fully remove the scent, which may encourage them to return to that spot. Being proactive with regular potty breaks and close supervision is essential.
The Umbilical Cord Methodology
If you find it difficult to supervise your puppy constantly and crate or pen training isn’t an option, consider using the “umbilical cord methodology.” This technique involves keeping your puppy secured to your waist by a lead at all times while inside your home. By doing this, you can closely monitor their behaviour and quickly respond to any signs that they need to go outside. It also helps strengthen your bond with your puppy while reinforcing the correct toilet training behaviours.
Transitioning to Their New Home
When your Eskimoyed Samoyed puppy arrives at your home, it’s important to continue the toilet training routine they’ve started. The familiarity of the artificial turf used at our facility can be continued in your home, making it easier for your puppy to understand where they should go.
Crate training is a highly effective tool during this transition period, particularly overnight. Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, and a properly sized crate can encourage them to hold their bladder until they are let outside.
However, it’s important to remember that puppies can only hold their bladder for a limited time, which is typically equivalent to their age in months plus one. For example, a two-month-old puppy can generally hold it for about two-three hours. So, it’s important to be consistent with taking them out regularly, including after meals, playtime, and naps.
The Benefits of Crate Training
Crate training your Samoyed puppy at night offers several benefits:
Final Thoughts
Toilet training your Eskimoyed Samoyed puppy is an essential part of their development and helps set the foundation for a well-adjusted, well-behaved adult dog. By starting early, using familiar tools like artificial turf, incorporating verbal commands, understanding your puppy’s toileting routine, and handling accidents with care, you can make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your puppy.
Remember, patience and consistency are key. Every puppy learns at their own pace, but with the right approach, your Samoyed will be toilet trained in no time.
At Eskimoyed Samoyeds, we pride ourselves on raising puppies that are well on their way to being fully potty trained by the time they join your family.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Eskimoyed Samoyeds. We’re here to help you and your new furry friend every step of the way!
For more information and tips on toilet training, check out our additional resources and blog posts on the subject, including our blog on how to control adult territory marking behaviours.
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At Eskimoyed Samoyeds, we provide premium Samoyed puppies, raised with exceptional care and attention. Our dogs are well-socialized, embodying the perfect blend of beauty, intelligence, and friendliness.