Does withholding water aid housetraining?

#MiddleburyCT #Housetraining #Puppy

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I purchased a puppy who is 2 months old from a breeder in another state. I’m having trouble housetraining her. She drinks water all day, but she can’t hold her pee and ends up wetting on the floor. I work from home, but I can’t catch her and correct her. Instead, I think I should just take the water bowl away for most of the day. Will that work? – Frustrated in Tallahassee

DEAR FRUSTRATED: Do not take away the water bowl. Pets should always have access to water, regardless of their housetraining status.

Puppies have really tiny bladders and cannot hold their water for very long. So they pee much more frequently than you realize. But they shouldn’t have to suffer and be thirsty just because their accidents are inconvenient for you.

This link has detailed information and advice on managing puppy housetraining issues: iaabcjournal.org/housetraining-hang-ups, including when to contact a veterinarian.

One great piece of advice here is to create a puppy playpen and line it with pee pads, as well as water-resistant chew toys. As your puppy grows and gets better at holding their bladder and understands your commands better, gradually take away pads until there is just one “target” in the pen.

Above all, be patient with your new puppy. She is starting out in a whole new world, in a tiny body that is constantly changing and growing. Set a routine with frequent outdoor potty breaks in the same spot. Reward her when she pees outside. She will get this – eventually!

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