Secrets for Potty Training Your Puppy

Congratulations on becoming a pet owner. Now that you've brought your puppy home, there's a lot to do. The dog needs a sleeping space, proper food, water and training so it integrates into your home relatively smoothly. As you begin house training, you may wonder if there are any "secrets" for potty training your puppy. Actually, these "secrets" are patience and consistency.

  1. Establish a Routine

    • Make potty training part of your daily ritual with the puppy. Young pups need to go outside about every two hours during the day. Try to make that schedule consistent, starting when you normally get up every morning. Take the puppy to the same area each time and give it a treat and praise when it eliminates.

    Don't Rush

    • Give the puppy plenty of time outside. A puppy can't empty its bladder or bowels all at once. After the puppy goes a second time, return to the house.

    Accidents

    • Put a few nails in an old coffee can with a lid. Shake the can if you see the puppy eliminating in the house. The surprise noise causes a physical contraction in the dog, typically stopping it. You can then get the pup outside to your chosen spot so it completes the task. Note that it's very important to clean up any urine or feces completely so there's no lingering scent. Use a commercial odor neutralizer on indoor stains. Dogs are creatures of habit. They eliminate in spots they previously used.

    Provide a Regular Feeding Schedule

    • Feed the puppy at the same time every day. Don't give it treats except as rewards. Within a few weeks of observation, you'll know about how long it takes between feeding and elimination. Watch for signs like pacing, sniffing, circling and whining.

    Crate Training

    • Get a crate for your puppy. Use this when you're going to be out of the house for a while or at night. Introduce your dog to the crate slowly by putting a favorite toy or snack inside of it. Leave the crate door open and repeat this for several days before you start closing the crate door. Don't leave a puppy under the age of six months in a crate for more than four hours at a time. Initially, your puppy may whine. Do not give in. Crate training is a very valuable tool for house training. As soon as you let the puppy out of its crate, take it immediately outside. Remember to reinforce all positive behaviors.

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