How to Potty Train a Small Puppy

New puppies bring a lot of joy to a family, but they also can create messes. There are a few basic rules to potty training a puppy. Most important, though, is to be willing to work at it. Given a little encouragement, all puppies be trained where they can and cannot go to do their business, leaving owners worry-free about their floors and furniture.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Food
  • Water
  • Crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your new puppy confined or crated at anytime you are not watching it. It is best to only let your puppy play in tiled rooms, initially, to minimize the damage if an accident happens.

    • 2

      Implement a schedule to help potty train your puppy. Put it to bed and wake it up at the same times. Feed it at least four hours before bedtime and take away its water tray two hours before bedtime.

    • 3

      Take your new puppy to the toilet after every meal--first thing in the morning, last thing at night and whenever it wakes up from a nap.

    • 4

      Bring your puppy to the bathroom spot. Always take it there on a leash as this puts him at ease about going to the toilet while being taken for a walk.

    • 5

      Wait for a few minutes after you think the puppy has finished defecating. Puppies often do not go all at once. If your puppy doesn't go, put it back in the crate for 15 minutes and then take it back to the potty spot again.

    • 6

      Reward your puppy with a treat each time it goes. This will encourage it to do the same next time.