How to Teach a Puppy Potty Training

Buying a puppy is an exciting event for the whole family---nothing quite compares to the boundless energy, curiosity and enthusiasm of a new puppy. However, a new puppy can also be a lot of work. One of the most important responsibilities for a new puppy owner is potty training. Teaching your puppy to go to the bathroom outdoors has obvious benefits for the human inhabitants of the house or apartment, but it is also important for the happiness and well-being of the puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy
  • Crate or cage
  • Leash and collar
  • Dry puppy food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your puppy caged or crated at all times when no one is available to watch it. This will prevent the formation of bad potty habits, which can be difficult to break later.

    • 2

      Feed your puppy on a regular schedule. While you are potty training your puppy, try to keep yourself on a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule as well. Your puppy will adjust to your schedule. Feed your puppy dry dog food, which will keep its stools firmer in the event that you have to clean up an accident.

    • 3

      Feed your puppy at least four hours before bedtime, and remove his or her water two hours before bedtime. At all other times, make sure that your puppy has access to plenty of clean water.

    • 4

      Take your puppy outside to your designated potty area first thing every morning, right before bed, whenever he or she wakes up from a nap, and after an active play session. Reward your puppy with lots of love and affection when it uses the designated potty area during a bathroom trip. Pick up excrement from the potty area immediately to keep the area appealing for the puppy to visit.

    • 5

      Avoid playing with your puppy during a potty trip until after it goes to the bathroom. Do not return inside immediately after a potty trip. The puppy may require more than one session to finish completely.

    • 6

      Watch and listen to your puppy for clues. If you hear it moving around in the early morning hours, get up and take the dog outside to the designated potty area. If the puppy starts to turn in circles, sniff the floor, or arch its back, pick the puppy up and carry it to the potty area. The puppy may have difficulty controlling its bowels while on the ground.