Boykin Spaniels are known for their impeccable hunting skills and for being excellent family dogs. While they are wonderful companions, they can be a travesty if they defecate everywhere.
If you have a puppy, you face the dilemma of training them correctly. When should you start training them to get clean? What are the methods to potty train your Boykin Spaniel quickly? In this article, we will answer these questions and help you train your dog efficiently.
What Is the Best Age To Potty Train Your Dog?
Most dog owners wonder what the best age to potty train their Boykin Spaniel breed is. A Boykin Spaniel puppy should receive potty training from the ripe age of 12 to 16 weeks old.
Since potty training is a task that requires a consistent schedule, it’s only wise to start when your puppy can take control of its bladder and bowel movements. Hence, it’s always better to start early so your puppy can routinely pick up your design.
How Do You Potty Train a Boykin Spaniel?
Potty training your Boykin Spaniel is one of the important things to do. We understand how bothersome it can be to train puppies since they are inherently highly energetic creatures. We’ve listed some ways to potty train your dog below.
Build a Routine
Creating a set routine for potty training makes the entire process easier. Just like kids, puppies thrive on a routine and require a schedule to get acquainted with their bladder. Establishing a pre-determined way not only helps your Boykin Spaniel but also establishes a fixed schedule for you too!
You won’t always have the time to take your pet on potty breaks. To avoid frequent detours, you must establish a routine where your breaks align with your dog’s schedule. Remember that initially, you’ll have to go on frequent breaks while your puppy is young.
With time, your dog will get accustomed to the new routine.
Put Your Dog on a Feeding Schedule
Along with a fixed schedule, Boykin Spaniel’s training also involves certain altercations in the feeding schedule. When puppies are young, they may be inclined to eat whenever they want.
As a dog parent, you should create a consistent feeding schedule so that they eliminate it consistently as well. A Boykin Spaniel puppy should be fed two or three times a day. Feeding your puppy at the specified times each day will allow its body to function accordingly.
Take Your Dog on Frequent Walks
If you’re trying to get your puppy to potty train faster, take your Boykin Spaniel on frequent walks every day.
Since they are cooperative hunting dogs that were first bred by South Carolina hunters, they require a lot of physical activity to channel their energy.
For puppies, you’ll need to take them on frequent walks every two hours. While training your puppy to hold out longer, you should start with 8-10 times for the first month and gradually decrease the outings to 3-4 times as they get accustomed to the routine.
Pick a Bathroom Spot Outside
Although you should train your puppy to hold out longer than they can, sometimes it’s better to learn your dog’s cues. If you notice that your dog is signaling you to take them on a walk, you should concede.
This will prevent accidents in your house and allow your dog to eliminate outside. Picking a bathroom spot outside inadvertently conditions them to eliminate only when you say a specific word or phrase. When your puppy is eliminating, stand still and quiet so that they can focus on pottying instead of interacting with you.
Select the Right Crate
Crate training is an effective way to potty train your dog and create a safe space for them at home. This method teaches your puppy to hold its bladder when confined to a specific space.
According to the American Kennel Club, crate training offers a definite housetraining solution than puppy pads or paper training, which is more temporary.
Since dogs do not like eliminating where they sleep and eat, crate training is an excellent way to condition their behaviors. Choosing the right crate is important as your puppy should only have enough space to lie down, stand up and turn around comfortably. Any more room will allow them to defecate in the other corner.
Dominant Behavior
According to the Boykin Spaniel society, Boykin Spaniels are cooperative dogs that followed their pack leader in ancient times, like a Cocker Spaniel. These dogs require a strong and dominant figure to adhere to while training.
Hence, their owners should get their dogs to follow their commands. Also, since you’ll need to supervise them during potty training, it’s always better to establish yourself as a dominant figure to your dog.
Positive Reinforcement
In addition to being dominant, do not forget to show love and affection to your Boykin Spaniel. These dog breeds get attached to their owner easily, so harsh treatment can affect their temperament.
When they receive love and affection, they are more likely to follow your commands. Positive reinforcement is another way to create a healthy bond with your dog. This means rewarding your Boykin Spaniel every time they do something good, reinforcing a positive pattern. This serves as an impetus for your dog to perform well in their training.
Potty Training: What Not To Do
We’ve discussed the key methods to establish potty training for a Boykin Spaniel. What are some things you should not do while potty training your dog? Some of the main points are listed below:
- Keeping inconsistent schedules: Failing to establish a proper routine can lead to potty accidents in your house. An inconsistent elimination and feeding schedule can create confusion in your puppy, leading to more accidents.
- Punishment instead of positive reinforcement: Punishment is never a successful training strategy. It creates fear in your puppy and does not allow you to create a bond with them. Instead, use positive reinforcement and affirmations to motivate your dog to get closer to your goals.
- Potty pads with crate training: Potty pads should never be substituted for taking them outside. It defeats the entire purpose of crate training since your dog will eliminate it instead of trying to hold its bowels.
- Leave them at home for an entire day: Never leave your dog at home for an entire day, as puppies can’t hold out for more than 7 to 8 hours. Make it a point to take them outside after you return home from work.
Hence, potty training involves rigorous work, which will eventually condition them into being well-bred family dogs. Boykin Spaniels need the extra push, but they will be great companions at all stages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to potty train a dog?
Typically, it takes a puppy 4-6 months to become potty trained; the size of the dog is a deciding factor for how long it will take. Since Boykin Spaniels are predominantly medium-sized dogs, they will take more frequent trips as they have smaller bladders.
2. When to start house training your Boykin Spaniel?
Crate training can begin as early as eight weeks old as it provides security and comfort in the absence of their mother.
