Establishing a reliable relieving routine is one of the main goals of puppy raising for CNIB Guide Dogs.
Goals For Relieving Routine
A reliable relieving routine means the puppy:
- Only relieves outdoors.
- Always relieves on leash.
- Relieves in a small area without needing to walk.
- Relieves on a hard surface.
- Relieves on the “busy, busy” cue.
- Should not relieve in their future guide dog vest.
- Should not relieve on walks.
- Should be comfortable relieving in a various environments.
The Relieving Process
- Attach the leash to the puppy’s collar before bringing them outside to the designated relief area.
- When the puppy successfully relieves in the designated area, in a calm and positive tone, repeat once or twice the cue “busy, busy” during the elimination.
- Once the puppy is finished successfully relieves in the designated area, offer reinforcement with a food reward, verbal praise, physical praise or playtime.
Set Yourself Up For Success
- Before the puppy arrives, choose a designated relief area.
- Set things up to limit the puppy’s access to your home so you can always monitor them. Baby gates and X pens can help.
- Leave the puppy’s leash, poop bags and slip-on shoes/boots by the door. It helps to open a poop bag before going outside with the pup.
- Track the puppy’s relieving frequency in the Elimination Log.
- Take the puppy out every 30-60 minutes when they first arrive. Slowly increase the time they go outside between relieving as they age.
- Always take the puppy out: first thing in the morning, after eating, drinking, napping and playing, and before and after walks and entering stores.
- Avoid going on walks if the puppy hasn’t relieved themselves prior.
- When the puppy is in the designated relief area, if they aren’t sniffing to find a spot to relieve, they’re not ready. Take them back inside and crate them for 10 minutes.
- When the puppy has an accident, avoid scolding or startling them as this may lead the puppy to relieve in hiding.
Preventing Overnight Accidents
Be prepared to wake up during the night and early in the morning as young puppies learn to control their bladder for hours at a time.
Follow these tips to reduce the puppy’s need for overnight relief breaks:
- Pick up their water bowl 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- Bring them out to relieve right before bedtime.
- Try to keep them up and active in the evening.
- Limit space in the crate if needed.
- When a puppy needs an overnight relief break, bring them out quietly so they can quickly go back to sleep.
- When bringing the puppy out overnight, do not let them play around if they are not relieving. Put them back in the crate.