How to Potty Train a Puppy

How to potty train a puppy? Potty training a puppy at the right time and place requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement.

The goal is to instill good habits and build a loving bond with your pet.

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure HERE

HOW TO POTTY TRAIN A PUPPY

It usually takes a puppy 4 to 6 months to be fully house trained, but some puppies can take up to a year.

For example, smaller dog breeds have smaller bladders, and need more frequent trips outside.

Another factor is your puppy’s previous habits that you might need to change and establish new desirable ones.

One of the main reasons dogs lose their homes or end up in shelters is that few people are willing to put up with the dirt in the house.

Make sure you do some home investigation on how to train a puppy before adopting one.

While training your puppy, there will always be accidents.
Always stick with a program that includes taking your puppy out at the first sign of potty training and offering rewards to reinforce his positive attitude.

WHEN TO START POTTY TRAINING A PUPPY

According to the experts, the best age to start training your puppy is when they are between 12 and 16 weeks old. At that point, they have sufficient bladder control.
If your puppy is over 12 weeks old at the time of adoption and has been doing his business in a crate, house training may take longer. Change the dog’s behavior with patience and positive reinforcement.

STEPS ON HOW TO POTTY TRAIN A PUPPY

Experts recommend keeping the puppy in a confined space, either in a cage or in a room. As your puppy learns that he needs to go outside to relieve himself, you can gradually give him more freedom to roam around the house.

When starting home training, you can follow these steps:

Feed the puppy on a regular schedule. Do not let him eat between meals.
Take the puppy out to relieve himself first thing in the morning and then once every 30 minutes to an hour.
Also, take him outside after eating or after a nap.
Make sure he goes out late at night before he goes to sleep.
Take the puppy to the same place each time he eliminates.
When your puppy relieves himself outside, praise him, or give him a treat.

USING A TRAINING CRATE TO TRAIN YOUR PUPPY

A crate can be a good idea for house training your puppy, at least in the short term.

Many people who are new to dogs wince at the idea of confining their puppies in a cage, but dog cages make life easier.

It is a good idea to accustom your dog for many reasons, such as vet visits, travel, recovery, and safety.

Make sure the cage is large enough for the puppy to stand up, rollover, and lie down but not large enough that he can use a corner as a bathroom.

If your puppy uses the crate for more than two hours straight, make sure he has fresh water.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT YOUR PUPPY NEEDS TO GO TO OUTSIDE

When you notice some of these signs, take your puppy outside immediately.

Whine
Spin around
Sniff
Bark
Scratch the door

CREATE A HOME TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR YOUR PUPPY

First thing in the morning
Last-minute at night
After playing
Waking up from a nap
After playing with his toys.
After eating
After drinking

HOW LONG DOES A PUPPY POTTY TRAINING TAKE?

That can vary; there are many factors such as age, learning history, methods and consistency.

Some puppies are ready after a few days. Others may take months, especially if the dog has had a less-than-ideal situation before coming to his new house.

However, with patience and perseverance, most dogs can learn.

TIPS ON HOW TO POTTY TRAIN A PUPPY AT HOME

Do not punish your puppy for having an accident. Your pet will learn to fear you.
If you see your puppy in the act, clap loudly to let him know that he has done something unacceptable. Then take him outside and when he finishes, congratulate him or give him a small reward.
If you found the evidence but didn’t see the act, don’t react angrily by yelling or rubbing his nose. Puppies are not intellectually apt of connecting your anger to their accident.
Spending more time outdoors with your puppy can help stop accidents. They may need more time to explore.
Clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to minimize odors that could attract the puppy to the same spot.

Accidents are common in puppies up to one year old. When your puppy has an accident, keep training. Then if it still doesn’t seem to be working, see a vet to prevent a medical problem.

You May Also Like