I'm Having Trouble Potty Training My Dog

Dogs do not instinctively understand that they should not soil the carpet. This is particularly true of puppies. House training a new dog can be challenging, but with patience and time, all dogs can be potty trained. Dogs and puppies should always be trained with kindness. It is cruel to punish a puppy for soiling the carpet, hours after the incident has occurred, as it will no longer be able to associate its actions with the punishment. Potty training is best achieved by choosing a single positive approach to dealing with the problem and by sticking to it.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a routine as soon as the puppy or dog arrives, and be consistent.

    • 2

      Choose a specific word for going to the toilet. Condition your pet to associate the word with the action of doing its business.

    • 3

      Take your puppy or dog outside every time after it has eaten. This is the time when the animal will want to do its business. Give the verbal command and remain with your pet until it has gone to the toilet. Praise it immediately after it has finished.

    • 4

      Take the puppy or dog to the same spot in the garden, so that it associates this particular area with toilet activities.

    • 5

      Place your dog or puppy on a leash when you go outside. This allows you to easily take your pet to the toilet area of your choice and to be close enough to give the vocal command and to praise the animal when it has done its business.

    • 6

      Purchase an indoor crate and place the puppy or dog in it to sleep at night, or if you need to leave it indoors and unsupervised for a short period of time. Dogs instinctively attempt not to soil their sleeping area and will wait until they have been let out of the crate before doing their business. Always take the animal directly outside and praise lavishly, when it has performed.