How to Potty Train a Dog Online

German Shepherd Puppy

Potty training your new puppy can easily be a successful and rewarding experience. Your puppy will speak to you in his own language, and it is important for you to understand this language so you and your puppy can succeed. Learn how to successfully potty train your inside puppy in a short amount of time. Challenges will arise, but your puppy is brilliant and will learn quickly if you take the time to teach him. It takes hard work and dedication, but the rewards are numerous for you and your puppy.

Things You'll Need

• Puppy crate, unless you plan on staying home with your puppy until training is complete
• Puppy training pads

Instructions

Watch For Signs

1. 

   Be sure to watch your puppy for signs that he is ready to potty. Signs that your puppy is ready are sniffing around on the floor, walking in circles or trying to get your attention by watching you intently. Be sure to pick up on these clues that your puppy is sending you.

2. Leash your puppy with a long walking leash if you are busy around the house and attach the other end to your belt or belt loops. This will ensure that you can keep a close eye on your puppy no matter what room you are in.

3. 

   Take your puppy outside immediately when your puppy starts showing signs and wait for her to potty; do this every time. Do not hover over your puppy; give her space to sniff around on the grass and to find just the right spot.

Take Action

1. 

   Put a key word to the action your puppy is doing once your puppy goes potty outside. For example, when your puppy starts to pee, say "Go pee." This way, your puppy will make the connection that when you say "go pee," this means that he needs to potty outside. When your puppy finishes going pee, make sure you give lots of praise and a treat or some special playtime--whatever your puppy values the most. If your puppy does not go potty outside after 5 to 10 minutes, take him inside and wait about 10 minutes and try again; try sooner if your puppy is still showing you the clues as mentioned in Step 1 above.

2. Be sure to take your puppy out every 2 hours, or more if your puppy is showing signs of needing to go potty.

3. 

   Take your puppy outside to potty first thing in the morning and last thing before bedtime. This way, your puppy should start out by only needing to use the potty a couple times a night and eventually should fade out to making it from bedtime to morning without needing to potty.

Feeding Schedules

1. 

   Feeding your puppy on a schedule will only help you and your puppy finish potty training successfully and in a shorter amount of time. Feed your puppy at the same times every day. For example, puppies need to be fed more often than adult dogs, so I recommend feeding puppies three times a day instead of two.

2. Place a bowl of food and water down at 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. (adjust times according to your sleep schedules). Be sure to take your puppy outside about 10 minutes after each feeding. This will ensure that your puppy stays on a schedule and routine and will learn faster with repetition. Take uneaten food away an hour after each feeding. This will help your puppy learn to eat when you give the food. Let your puppy know that you are the master.

3. Take water away 2 hours before bedtime. This will help your puppy during nighttime training.

Leaving Puppy Alone

1. Unless you intend on staying home with your puppy until potty training is complete, be sure to invest in a puppy crate and some puppy training pads. If a crate is not an option for you, keep puppy in one confined room, preferably with wood or tiled floors so accidents can easily be cleaned up.

2. Place the crate out in the open where your puppy can see it and investigate it. Make the crate a safe place for your puppy. Toss treats into the back of the crate one at a time and let your puppy go and eat them. This will show your puppy that the crate is a positive thing, and it's a safe place to be. Toss a treat into the crate, let your puppy fetch it and shut the door behind her. Put a treat through the bars and let your puppy out. Let your puppy get used to the crate before leaving her in it for a long period of time.

3. 

   Place a puppy training pad in the crate or room you intend to leave him. For your first outing, be sure that it is not too long. You'll want potty training to be a success. For example, put your puppy in the crate or room for 30 minutes or so. Do not leave him alone for hours and hours. This will make potty training less effective, and it could take years to successfully potty train your puppy.

4. Give your puppy your key words immediately after you arrive home and take him outside. Let your puppy learn this routine. Soon, your puppy will be able to last longer and still be successful.

Handling Accidents

1. 

   Accidents may happen, and if they do, immediately take your puppy outside, even if your puppy has already used the potty inside.

2. Do not yell at your puppy. Even if it has only been a minute, your puppy will not be able to understand what you are upset with her about. If you do, your puppy may put her ears back or wag her tail. These signs do not mean that she comprehends what she did was wrong; this is just what the puppy does to try to please you.

3. Return inside after taking your puppy outside and helping him make the connection. Take your puppy back outside as soon as you feel he is ready, or you see signs that your puppy needs to go back out.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to praise your puppy each time she goes outside to use the bathroom. Always use your key words when potty training and even throughout the life of your new best friend.