Potty Training Methods for Puppies

Crate Training

• Crate training a puppy revolves around the idea that a puppy will not soil his bed if he can help it. Put your puppy in a cage big enough that he has room to lay down, but much more room than that. He won't want to lay in urine or feces, so he'll wait as long as he can to relieve himself. If you give him a cage that's too big, he'll simply do his business on one side and sleep on the other. Put your puppy in his crate whenever you are unable to keep an eye on him, including when you are sleeping and away from home. Do not leave a young puppy in a crate for more than a few hours -- young puppies cannot control their bladders for long periods of time.

Gradually Gettiing Outside

• This method involves training your puppy to relieve himself on a potty training pad or newspapers. Start by placing the pads somewhere inside your house. Anytime you see your puppy sniffing around, acting anxious or giving off any other cues that he may need to go potty, pick him up and place him on the pad. Be sure to praise him if he uses the potty on the pads or paper. As your puppy gets used to using the pads, slowly move them in the direction of the door. Once they have made it all the way outside, use them for just another day or two before removing them completely.

  The effectiveness of this method has been debated. Some critics believe changing the location of the pads, and switching from inside to outside will confuse the puppy. There are many supporters of this method, however, that have had much success.

Around the Clock Watch

• This method works best for someone who is with his puppy all the time. It consists of keeping constant supervision over your puppy and taking him outside every time he looks like he may need to relieve himself. This method is difficult for people who work and for single people, because it makes sleeping and leaving the house difficult. If you choose to use this method, you may want to combine it with the crate method at night time and when you leave the house.

Tips

• Verbal cues are key when training a puppy. Pick a phrase to use, such as "Go potty" or "Do your business." Any phrase will work, but it's important to stick to the same one. As soon as your puppy starts to relieve himself where he is supposed to, say the phrase. He will associate the praise with what he is doing and eventually you will be able to use that phrase as a command to use the restroom.

  Do not feed your puppy or allow him to drink water if you won't be able to take him outside or put him on his pad soon. Also, be patient with your puppy. Keep in mind that he's just a baby. Accidents will happen and it will take some time, but with persistence and patience, he will get it eventually.