How to Get My Puppy to React to the Word Potty

Even though dogs don't speak English, they do learn to pick up on certain words associated with training. "Potty" is one such word, along with words such as "treat," "outside," "bye-bye," "sit," "stay" or other words you may use during certain situations. Puppies are like human babies; it takes time for them to associate the word with the activity or behavior. If you're trying to train your puppy to tell you when it needs to eliminate outside or to be able to eliminate on command, exercise patience and consistency during house-training.

Things You'll Need

  • Small training treats
  • Bell
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your young puppy out first thing in the morning, last thing before bed, right before you confine it, after feeding or play time and every hour for every month of its age.

      A two-month old puppy needs to eliminate every two hours.

    • 2

      Say the word "potty" in an excited, happy voice every time you pick up the puppy or otherwise take it outside.

    • 3

      Allow the puppy to completely eliminate outside; be patient, many times puppies can't completely eliminate during one squat.

    • 4

      Praise the puppy lavishly after it's done its business.

      Repeat the word "potty" in a high-pitched, excited voice while playing, patting and feeding the puppy a small treat.

    • 5

      Place a small bell on the door and take the puppy's paw and ring it while saying "potty" right before taking the puppy outside to eliminate.

      Your puppy should learn that ringing the bell means "time to go potty" and start ringing it on its own to let you know.

    • 6

      Watch for signs that your puppy has to eliminate during house-training.

      Signs may include walking and sniffing around in circles or squatting.

    • 7

      Say "potty?" in your happy voice when the puppy does this, while scooping up the puppy and taking it outdoors to eliminate.