How to Potty Train a Puppy

Those big puppy-dog eyes and soft, cuddly fur… the first time you laid eyes on your new puppy it was true love. All up until the moment your on your hands and knees cleaning up there mess.

Before you bring home your new puppy, you’ll need to have a potty training plan in place. Puppies can develop bad habits quickly so it’s important that you start potty training them from day one.

Unfortunately, not all puppies take to potty training as well as others. There are a few dog breeds that are known to take to potty training quite well, while others are know to be notoriously difficult to potty train. Even a puppy from a breed known for being easy to potty train can end up being a challenge.

In a lot of ways, potty training a puppy is the same as it is with small children. At a young age, they have very little control over their bladders and have just a few moments between the time they realize the have to go… and the time they are going all over the floor. Puppies are also a lot like children in the sense that they comprehend things a little slower and need more time to understand what’s being expected from them. Be sure to take your time with them and be patient, they will eventually learn.

This article will focus primarily on training your puppy to go potty outside. There are some folks that train their dogs to use a cat litter box but those instances are rare and usually limited to the smallest of dog breeds. Steer clear of using potty training that involves puppy pads or other paper potty training methods. These should be used for indoor training only.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dog leash
• small indoor kennel
• food and water dishes
• lots and lots of patience

1. Choosing an indoor kennel:
   First off, invest in an indoor kennel proportionate to your puppies size. They should be just tall enough to stand up in and just long enough to lay down in, but no larger than that. Don’t get a kennel that is too large for you puppy. Dog’s will feel more safe and comfortable in a kennel that’s there size, and will be less likely to have accidents in it if they have no way of getting away from it.
   
   Puppies should spend every minute that they can’t be watched in their kennel. Even if you’re going to be out of their line of site for a few minutes, take the time to put them in their kennel. Make sure that other members of the family understand this and agree to kennel the puppy whenever they aren’t able to watch it… especially at night.

2. Food, Water & Frequency:
   The type of food and the schedule you feed your puppy play a critical role in how long it will take to potty train them and (and how hard it is for you to clean up after them in the mean time). Stay away from canned, wet foods or any type of human foods. Dry foods will keep your puppy’s stool solid. It’s also a good idea to feed your puppy on a meal plan (4-5 times a day) rather than having food available whenever they want it. Make sure they don’t have any food or water within a few hours of bedtime so there are no overnight accidents.

3. When To Take Your Puppy Out:
   You should take your puppy out first thing every morning, after every single meal and nap, after any playing or excitement and right before bed each night. Take your puppy outside on a leash and if it doesn’t go potty within a few minutes, put it back in the kennel for 15 minutes or so and take it outside again. Eventually your puppy will have to go potty, you just need to make sure your outside when it happens.
   
   In addition to a regular schedule, you should keep an eye on your puppy for any signs that they may need to go like excessive sniffing or circling an area in the room.

4. What To Do When Accidents Happen:
   Unless you’re really, really lucky, accidents are going to happen. If you catch your puppy in the act then pick them up and take them outside. It’s okay to scold your puppy by firmly telling them “no” but don’t rub their noses in it or spank them. If you didn’t catch them in the act but find an accident later, don’t punish your puppy. Instead, identify how the accident happened and make sure you keep a closer eye on them.
   
   Lastly, but in my opinion most importantly, when an accident does happen clean it up properly. Dogs will identify with the scent of it’s waste and think it’s OK to go in the same spot. Instead of using regular household cleaners, purchase a specialty spray cleaner from a local pet store.

5. If your pet continues to have no signs of progress with potty training after the first few months, your puppy may have some health issues. Be sure to take your puppy the vet if you believe this is the case. Potty training your puppy takes lots of work and patience so be sure to be honest with yourself before choosing to do so. Have you really followed all of the above suggestions consistently during those last several months?
   
   Good luck and enjoy your newest addition to the family!

Tips & Warnings

• I can't stress the importance of patience and consistency with your puppy. Potty training won't work if you don't work at it.
• Please don't get angry with or punish your dog when they have accidents, especially when they are very young.
• Don't hesitate to contact a vet if you believe your dog has issues with it's bladder or bowel control. These issues can be serious and have long-term health effects on your dog.

Resources

• The Dog Scholar