English bulldog puppies are a bundle of joy. They are friendly, playful – in short, a great addition to your family (they're pretty much the best dogs on the face of the planet in my humble opinion!!!). ;-)
However, the arrival of your newborn canine demands some house training, and fast! Otherwise, you risk turning your home into an obstacle course of “piles and puddles”. Not fun....
House training your bulldog puppy does not have to be a stressful exercise, especially if you follow a few time-tested tactics.
Here are a few essential tips for helping your young canine (and yourself!):
A puppy’s bladder is small, and control is not part of his makeup. It is unrealistic to expect him to suppress his “release” while you are at work or otherwise occupied. Assuming that you, your wife/partner, or your kids can’t escort your puppy to a special outside area every 2-3 hours, the dog must have access to an inside location to do his thing.
Puppy owners must work as a team and demonstrate consistency, patience, and persistence if puppy house training is to be successful. Note that it may take many weeks, even months, to get it right.
English bulldog puppies can be trained at three weeks of age at the earliest. Keep in mind that potty breaks will be very frequent at the start. I didn't get to pick up my English 'Bullie' until she was 5 weeks old and I know many breeders won't let you take the puppy too early so it depends on where you get your English Bulldog.
VERY IMPORTANT: Do not punish your puppy when he “accidentally” relieves himself in the house. Similarly, always reward your dog immediately after he has completed his job in the proper location. Training is a learned activity, so your bulldog must know why he is being rewarded to associate it with positive action.
House breaking a puppy is a behavioral activity that demands rigor on the owner’s part. Dogs must be directed towards the desired end, and incentives should be triggered in their brain as motivation. Fortunately, you will have a lot of practice daily with an active puppy, so going outside should become automatic in no time!
Here are a few more ideas for your house training efforts:
Scout your puppy’s routine and “relieving” sequence. Normally, he will have to go after meals and at specific hours of the day. Watch carefully and try to catch him just before he takes off. When your bulldog starts squatting, circling or sniffing around, that’s the time to lead him to the designated area.
Use verbal cues to direct your puppy outside when he is ready to relieve himself. Ideally, one unique keyword should be used at all times in a loud, firm voice. This should distract your puppy and allow you to pick him up and carry him out before it is too late…
In the designated “release” area, use a special word (e.g. “dumper”) that triggers your puppy’s to act.
In the end, praise your bulldog with a treat or reward that signals your approval.
During puppy house training, there will be several occasions when your timing is off, and you’ll have no choice but to clean up the mess and try again next time. Remember that your bulldog is only acting naturally, so do not punish him after the fact.
Dog owners who persevere with their English bulldog puppies are quickly rewarded with obedient, well-behaved dogs. It’s a “win-win” situation for all, and you will once again be able to enjoy a relatively clean, odor-free residence.
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