How to Bathroom Train a Puppy

Toilet training a puppy may appear to be a challenging task, but, equipped with the right tools and some knowledge about potty habits, the mission can be accomplished. One rule of thumb is never to physically punish a puppy for soiling in the home. Punishment teaches the puppy simply not to soil in your presence and may also cause the puppy to lose trust and fear you. With time and patience, most puppies eventually learn to be house trained.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Treats
  • Blanket
  • Chew toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the right sized crate. To work well for potty training, the crate must be neither too large nor too small to allow your puppy to stand and turn around. If in doubt, ask the store personnel for advice.

    • 2

      Find a quiet spot for the crate and place the blanket and chew toy in it. Leave the door open and encourage your puppy to inspect inside. Lure a hesitant puppy into the crate with treats and offer praise when it goes inside. The goal is for the puppy to enjoy being in the crate.

    • 3

      Take your puppy outside and wait until it does its business. When done, take your puppy inside and lure it into the crate with a treat. Once it is in the crate, give the treat, close the door and and let your puppy rest inside with the toy and blanket.

    • 4

      Watch the puppy vigilantly for signs of needing to go outside to potty. Depending on its age, it may be able to control its urge for different lengths of time. Getting up, whining and sniffing may be signs it needs a bathroom break. Be swift in taking the puppy out.

    • 5

      Praise your puppy lavishly when it successfully does business outdoors. Give it treats and show excitement. Your puppy will soon associate outside pottying with good things. With time and repetition, and as the puppy gains better bowel and bladder control, your puppy will eventually learn to give you advanced warning that it must go out.