How to Potty Train Your Dog

He’s cute, he’s cuddly, and he has that puppy dog smell that no one can resist, but lately you’re wondering if you should change Fido’s name to “Puddles.” It seems like he’s gotten this whole house training thing all wrong. Few things are more frustrating than having a dog that’s difficult to potty train. Thankfully, however, there are a few tricks that will make Fido’s housebreaking easier. Just follow these guidelines to effectively potty train your dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog crate

1. Watch for the subtle clues that your dog needs to go. Walking around while sniffing the floor is a good indication that he’s ready.

2. Quickly lead or carry your dog to his designated potty place. This can be a puppy potty training pad or outdoors. Whichever place you choose, stick with it.

3. Praise him every time he goes where he’s supposed to. Affection and verbal praise helps your dog to understand that he’s done something good. This teaches him that his actions can affect your actions and he’ll be eager to please you again.

4. Purchase a crate for your puppy to sleep in while you’re away from home. Choose a crate that’s just large enough for your dog to lie down in comfortably. Dogs typically won’t soil their beds and this teaches the puppy that he can hold it until he gets outside or to his training pad. If the crate is too large, he may move to a corner of it to potty instead of holding it until he gets out.

5. Remove your dog from his crate immediately after you arrive home and take him outdoors.

6. Pay attention to your puppy’s schedule. Take him out at least every two hours when he’s not in his crate, 20 to 30 minutes after he’s eaten, first thing in the morning, after naps,and before bedtime. Taking him out often helps to minimize the possibility of accidents.

Tips & Warnings

• Puppy potty training pads are treated with a distinct odor that encourages your dog to use them. They can be effective for smaller breed dogs but a larger dog should be encouraged to do his business outside.
• If you use training pads, always keep the pad in the same place and change it when it's soiled.
• You may need to buy several crates as your dog grows.
• Accidents will happen so don't get discouraged. House training a dog takes time and consistency.
• Never punish your dog for an accident that you didn't see happen.
• Never hit your dog or rub his nose in his urine or feces. Rubbing his nose it it can make him very sick.
• Provide a constant source of water for your dog when he's not in his crate.
• Don't leave your dog in a crate for more than six hours at a time.

Resources

• More potty training tips