- Choose a designated area for your puppy to relieve themselves. This could be a corner in the bathroom, a puppy training pad area, or a small section of your backyard.
- Remove any rugs or carpets in the chosen area to make cleanup easier.
- Place a puppy training pad in the designated area to encourage your puppy to go there.
Step 2: Implement a Feeding and Potty Schedule
- Establish a consistent feeding schedule for your puppy. This helps regulate their digestive system and makes it easier to predict when they need to go.
- Immediately after your puppy wakes up, after each meal, and before bedtime, take them to their designated potty area and wait patiently.
- Use a consistent command such as "Go potty" or "Go pee" every time you take them to their potty area.
Step 3: Reward and Praise
- When your puppy successfully goes potty in the designated area, immediately praise them with verbal praise and a small treat.
- The positive reinforcement helps your puppy associate going potty in the right place with treats and praise.
Step 4: Be Patient and Consistent
- House training can take time and consistency. Accidents will happen, and that's okay.
- Clean up accidents immediately and without punishing your puppy. If you catch your puppy in the act, clap your hands loudly to interrupt their action, then guide them to the designated area.
Step 5: Limit Access to Other Areas
- To prevent accidents, limit your puppy's access to other areas of the house until they have mastered house training.
- Use baby gates or close doors to confine them to the training area.
Step 6: Crate Training
- Crate training can be a useful tool in house training. Use a dog crate that's large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Put your puppy in the crate for short periods when you can't supervise them directly. Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their own space, so crating can discourage accidents.
Step 7: Patience and Persistence
- House training can be a gradual process, so be patient with your puppy.
- Every puppy learns at their own pace, so give them time and continue with positive reinforcement techniques.
- If you're having persistent difficulties, consider seeking advice from a professional dog trainer.