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Toilet Training Your Finnish Lapphund: Patience and Consistency

Finnish Lapphund Puppy enjoy playing outdoor on green grass with tiny flower

 

Toilet training, often referred to as housebreaking or housetraining, is a crucial aspect of raising any dog, including the Finnish Lapphund. These intelligent and eager-to-please dogs can be successfully toilet trained with the right approach, but it requires patience, consistency, and a bit of understanding about their specific needs.


Start Early

The key to successful toilet training is to start early. Begin the process as soon as you bring your Finnish Lapphund puppy home. Puppies have smaller bladders and shorter attention spans, so they'll need more frequent trips to the designated potty area.


Establish a Routine

Creating a consistent routine is essential. Take your puppy outside to the designated potty area:


Choose a Designated Potty Area

Select a specific spot in your yard where you want your Lappie to relieve themselves. This helps create a clear association between the location and the act of elimination. Stick to this spot every time you take your puppy out.


Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise and reward are powerful motivators for Finnish Lapphunds. When your puppy eliminates in the designated area, offer enthusiastic verbal praise and give them a small treat immediately after they finish. This positive reinforcement helps them understand that eliminating in the right place is a good thing.


Supervise and Watch for Signs

Keep a close eye on your puppy when they're indoors. Watch for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing, circling, or whining. If you see these signs, take them outside immediately. The goal is to prevent accidents inside the house.


Be Patient

Accidents will happen, especially with puppies. When accidents occur, avoid scolding or punishment. Instead, clean up the mess promptly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering odours that might attract your puppy back to the same spot. Stay patient and stay consistent with your training.


Gradually Extend the Time

As your Finnish Lapphund puppy gets older and their bladder capacity increases, you can gradually extend the time between potty breaks. Pay attention to your puppy's individual needs and adjust the schedule accordingly.


Crate Training

Crate training can be a helpful tool during toilet training. Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. Use an appropriately-sized crate to keep your puppy confined when you can't supervise them.


Transition to Outdoor Only

As your Finnish Lapphund becomes more reliable with outdoor potty breaks, you can gradually transition to outdoor-only elimination. Be sure to continue positive reinforcement for proper behaviour.


Consistency is Key

Consistency is the cornerstone of successful toilet training. Whether it's maintaining a regular schedule, using positive reinforcement, or avoiding punishment, being consistent in your approach will help your Finnish Lapphund understand what is expected of them.

 

In conclusion, toilet training a Finnish Lapphund requires time, patience, and a well-structured routine. These intelligent dogs can learn quickly, but it's essential to be consistent and use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behaviour. With the right guidance and training, your Lappie will become a well-mannered and reliable member of your household.

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