How to Potty Train Pitbull Terrier Puppies

When you bring a new puppy home, one of the first things you try to do is potty train it. Pitbull Terrier puppies don't realize that some places are not acceptable "bathroom spots," and they relieve themselves whenever they feel the need. This can be exasperating for a new owner, because urine and feces are both unsanitary and unpleasant to clean up. Pitbull Terriers are strong-willed, so Pitbull Terrier puppies are a challenging breed to potty train.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Training treats
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Instructions

  1. Crate Training

    • 1

      Select an appropriate crate for your puppy. Pitbull puppies grow into adults that weigh anywhere from 35 to 55 pounds. In some rare cases, Pitbulls can weigh up to 110 pounds. Purchase a crate that is big enough to allow your Pitbull to fully stand up, turn around and lie down.

    • 2

      Place treats inside the crate and allow your Pitbull Terrier puppy to wander in and out on his own time. This gives it a chance to grow accustomed to the crate so that it isn't scared when locked in. The crate should always be a positive experience for your puppy. It should never be used as a punishment.

    • 3

      Leave your Pitbull puppy in the crate when you can't be home to supervise it. Pitbull Terriers don't like to soil the area in which they sleep, so your Pitbull puppy is less likely to have an accident if you keep it confined to a small area.

    • 4

      Take your Pitbull puppy outside immediately before putting it in the crate and after letting it out. This gives it a chance to relieve itself and it is less likely that it will have an accident inside your home.

    House Training

    • 5

      Establish a routine. Regulating your Pitbull puppy's schedule will help it learn to control its bladder because it will know when its bathroom breaks are. Feed your puppy at regular times (twice daily is recommended). Put it in its crate for bed at the same time every evening.

    • 6

      Take your Pitbull Terrier puppy outside immediately after meals or after drinking water. It is most likely to have an accident during those times.

    • 7

      Walk your Pitbull puppy on a leash to a designated place in the yard. The leash lets your puppy know that it is time for business, not play. Pitbull Terriers like routine, and your Pitbull puppy will learn to relieve itself in the same place every time.

    • 8

      Interrupt your Pitbull Terrier puppy and take it directly outside if you see it having an accident. Don't allow your Pitbull to finish relieving itself in the house, or it will think that indoors is an acceptable place to do its business. Pitbulls can be stubborn and it will be difficult to break a bad habit. Instead, show your Pitbull puppy where to go.

    • 9

      Praise and reward your puppy with treats whenever it does its business outside. Don't be stingy with the treats. Pitbulls, as a breed, are very eager to please their human companions. When you reward your Pitbull for doing it correctly, you teach it how you want it to behave.