How to potty train a Beagle puppy?
Potty training can be challenging especially when you’ve got a Beagle. They are not the easiest breed to train mainly because of their strong sense of smell causing them to be distracted most of the time. But with proper training and the right incentives, you can potty train your Beagle pup in due time.
Potty training should be done as soon as you take your Beagle home with you. You have to teach him where he can go potty so that you won’t get frustrated cleaning different parts of the house where he decides to fulfill his bathroom needs. You can potty train your Beagle pup using rewards and incentives. There are different ways to go about it, see what works best with your pup. You can use the basic reward-based training or the work with nature approach.
For the basic reward-based training, observe your pup’s bathroom needs. Take him to his designated toilet spot regularly. When your Beagle goes to potty in the correct spot, praise him excitedly and offer him a treat. When your pet asks for another treat, use a cue word such as “Toilet”or “Empty” that you will use as a command next time he needs to go potty. Always respond immediately when your pup demonstrates signs that he needs to go to the bathroom. This could be whimpering or scratching at the door so that he can go outside. Be sure to let him out right away to establish his bathroom habits. Next time, you can train him to go potty at your cue. Use your command word so that he will empty himself. Continue giving positive reinforcement to establish this behavior.
The Work with Nature method works best when you understand your pup’s bathroom needs. He needs to empty his bladder as soon as he wakes up, after eating, and the certain times in between. When it’s time for your pup to go potty, take him to his designated toilet spot. Praise him for peeing or pooping in the right place. This gives him the idea that he can get rewards or your attention when he pees or poops at the right place. Your pup wants to please you and this will teach him to go potty where he’s supposed to do so all the time. Make sure you stay with your pup when he goes outside to potty so that you can reward him immediately for his behavior. Always be mindful of his signals when he needs to go to the bathroom so that you can take him outside right away. Make it a habit to take him outside after he wakes up and after eating. You can use a leash so that he won’t wander around and play. If he pees or poops, praise him for doing so and reward him. If he doesn’t go, take him back inside and watch out for signs that he’s ready to go. You can take him out again after about 30 minutes so he can relieve himself. If there’s an accident and he pees inside the house, make sure to clean it up with a non-ammonia based cleaning product to remove the smell of his pee altogether. You need to do this so that he won’t mark that spot when he needs to go potty.
Remember, be calm and patient during potty training. Don’t shout or get mad at him when he pees as this will only slow down the training process. Consult with your vet if you encounter potty training problems to look into possible reasons behind it.
