Hopefully, you will be quick enough on the draw to pick up on the signals that your pup is about to 'go;' the sudden stoppage in the middle of play to go circle the floor with the head down; the low, urgent whimper; etc. If this happens, then pick your puppy up, take it outside while saying "Do you need to go OUTSIDE? Let's go Outside!" and praise furiously when it goes. Voila! mission accomplished!
However, inevitably you will get busy, and there will be an 'accident.' Whenever this happens, your reaction must be swift and sure. Any time you come upon 'the evidence,' reach for one of those rolled up newspapers you thoughtfully provided at strategic locations. Grasp the newspaper firmly, and whack the offender sharply across the head as you say in a stern, disapproving voice, "BAD owner!" #WHACK!# "WATCH the puppy!" #WHACK!# "BAD owner!" #WHACK!# "WATCH the puppy!" #WHACK!#
The redhead
This has been a bone of contention between my dad and I forever. It is the ONE THING we totally disagree on with dogs: punishing after the fact with yelling and swatting. I don't do it; if my dog has an accident, it's on ME for not paying attention. My dad on the other hand, will heavily punish a dog for an HOURS-old accident. Makes me nuts.
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