How to Potty Train Puppy

Training a puppy to use the bathroom outside is a top priority lesson to learn. Minimize accidents in your home by potty training your puppy as early as possible. Follow the steps below to successfully train your pup to use the bathroom outside.

Instructions

1. Take your puppy outside often. Walk or stand with him in your backyard and wait for him to do his business. Do this every hour for the first few days.

2. Take your puppy outside after meals and naps.

3. Praise him when he uses the bathroom outside. Reward with treats if necessary.

4. Accidents will happen. If your puppy uses the bathroom in the house, immediately put him outside. Don't punish him if you find an accident long after it happened. He won't understand what he did wrong.

5. Clean up accidents thoroughly. Eliminate the smells left behind so the puppy won't return to that spot in the future.

6. Catch him in the act. If you see the puppy about to use the bathroom inside, say "No!" and immediately rush him outside. Praise him if he is able to hold it until he can make it outside.

7. Keep an eye on your puppy. If you see any body language that suggests he has to use the bathroom, take him outside just in case. Squatting, circling, whining, smelling the ground, and pacing back and forth may be indicators.

8. Put your puppy in a crate at night. Being confined to his sleeping area reduces the chance that he will relieve himself in the middle of the night. Puppies don't like to soil their sleeping areas.

Resources

• How to Get a Dog to Eat
• How to Keep a Dog Warm in the Winter
• How to Keep a Dog Out of the Trash Can