Originally Posted by diane647
Is anyone out there training a new puppy?. I need some tried and true tips. Thanks I really appreciate any advise. I have a 9 week old American Eskimo. He is pretty smart. I may be expecting too much too soon.
Nope, 9 weeks isnt' too early. I start my litters at 3 weeks !!
the first key is knowing when they go. After meals, after waking, after play. Be prepared for those key moments, take puppy outside, put him in the place you want him to go and give command - "potty". As soon as he squats PRAISE a lot! Make sure you use the command in your praise. "Good Potty!" Say it over and over until he's done.
The next important part is to make sure that if he has an accident - YOU catch him in the act and make the reprimand memorable. By catch him in the act I mean as soon as he squats and not a second after he's done. A sharp very loud NO should make him stop in the process. Immediately take him out to his area and repeat first paragraph.
Last, you need to make sure that you are ready to be certain that you are able to catch him in the act. Crate training is perfect for this but remember 9 week olds dont' have large bladers so keep the crate time to a minimum to start.