Parenting a St. Bernard puppy is full of playfulness, adventure, and training successes and mishaps. Potty training is usually the first behavior any owner wants accomplished, especially for a dog that will be as large as a small horse. Potty training takes consistent teaching based on rewards and never on punishment to be successful.
Things You'll Need
- Leash
- Crate
- Treats
Instructions
Leash up your puppy and keep him with you at all times when you are home. To keep your hands free you can tie the leash to a belt loop or buy a very long leash to tie around your waist. This not only helps you keep an eye on your pet, but gives you both the chance to learn to communicate and understand each other.
Take your puppy to his water bowl to drink at least once an hour. You need your puppy to have to go potty often to have lots of opportunities to learn the house rules.
Every 20 to 30 minutes (or if your puppy seems to have to go) take your bouncy St. Bernard outside to the potty spot and say, "Go potty." Using this command teaches your puppy to go on cue, which is helpful when you leave the house for extended periods of time.
Give a treat and lavish praise when your puppy eliminates outside. If your puppy does not go potty, go back inside and try again in 20 to 30 minutes.
Put your puppy in a crate or outside when you are not home or cannot have him tied to you. Don't think of the crate as punishment or cruel, rather, it is a cozy den where your puppy can feel safe and still be restricted until you can supervise him.
Allow your puppy to be off leash only after you are confident that you recognize his signs letting you know it's time to head outside for potty.
Start the training process over if your puppy has an accident. Accidents mean that you missed his indications (going to the front door, pacing, or whining) that he had to go outside, or he does not know where he is supposed to go potty. The second time around should go faster, so that you do not have a 100+ pound St. Bernard attached to you all day.