Have you just got a puppy and don’t know how to start potty training them?
Potty Training can often be an uphill battle for pet parents, but it doesn't have to be that way. With patience and consistency, potty training your puppy is achievable, rewarding and much less stressful than it looks.
Potty training your puppy doesn’t have to be frustrating and time-consuming; if done correctly, both you and your puppy will succeed. A good potty training plan should involve incremental steps that gradually build upon each other until your puppy is fully potty trained.
This article will provide helpful tips on the best methods for potty training your new pup.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose the Best Place to Potty Train
Deciding on the right “potty spot” is the foundation of successful potty training. When selecting where you would like your pet to use the bathroom outdoors choose an area that is relatively flat with grass or soil so your pup knows what type of surface they should be going on and off of.
Know the Cues your Puppy Needs to Potty
We all know that teaching our puppy to go to the bathroom outside is essential in successfully housebreaking them. But how do you know when they need to go?
Whining or Pacing: Puppies may whine, pace and circle around when they have the urge to go to the bathroom. Watching your pup closely when they do this will help you notice any behaviour changes like a “squat” that indicate it’s time for a potty break.
Sniffing and Licking: If you notice your puppy sniffing and licking at the floor, it could be a sign that they need to relieve themselves. Sniffing is one of the keys to finding "the spot" and licking is usually how dogs mark their territory.
Moving Toward The Door: Puppies are smart, and oftentimes can pick up on the fact that when it's time for them to go potty we take them out the door. Eventually, if you consistently take them out at these times you may start noticing your pup heading toward the door when they need to poop or pee!
Enclosed Positions: Your pup will often try and find an enclosed space such as behind furniture or in a corner before going potty-- this is because puppies instinctually look for protection while relieving themselves. If you catch them doing this, don't wait until it's too late - take them outside right away so they can finish their business outdoors.
Tense Posture: A tense posture such as tail tucking between legs or reluctance of movement may show signs of nervousness which can indicate an upcoming "accident." Pay close attention if your pup displays these behaviours as it might be an indication of bladder control issues; once identified, seek professional advice from a vet or trainer on how best to handle this type of situation with your pet.
Create a Cue Word
After training your pup to go potty in the same spot outside, create a simple cue word that indicates it’s time to go outside. This word needs to be something short and snappy like “potty” or “go” so it doesn’t take them long to respond.
Establish a Schedule
Setting a feeding schedule for your pup can help when it comes to pottying. Generally speaking, dogs should not eat more than twice daily, so after meals always keep an eye out for signs your pup might need to go and soon enough they will start letting you know when they need to head outside by activating their cue word. A good general rule is letting your pup go potty 15 minutes after they eat to ensure that puppies won't become constipated as they eat more, which could lead to upset stomachs.
Reward Appropriate Behavior
Rewarding your puppy when they complete desired behaviours such as doing business outside helps reinforce their positive potty habits and lets them know that this behaviour is expected from them whenever needed. Try using treats every time afterward as well as verbal praise – soon enough your pup will learn that going outside means getting rewarded!
Supervise Your Dog
Lastly don't forget about supervising your pup during or shortly after meals or playtime so that even if you can't make it outside with them for whatever reason you'll at least know if he snuck away for any bathroom breaks meaning there won't be any nasty surprises waiting inside later on. Also, remember if there are any accidents don't scold or punish them– instead use this opportunity as teaching moment where he can learn what not to do as well as how his behaviour affects other people too!