How to Potty Train Dogs Step-by-Step

Don't let your dog start playing until he has eliminated outside.

The only way to save your floors and rugs when you first get a dog is to start potty training him immediately. It is much harder to fully potty train a dog once he has eliminated inside of your house, and it will take you longer overall. As it is, the process take a few weeks or even a few months, depending on your dog's previous training and personality.

Instructions

1. Take your puppy outside every two hours if he is between eight and twelve weeks old. Older puppies and dogs can go longer between potty breaks.

2. Give him the same elimination command every time you have him outside, and do not start playing with him until after he has urinated and/or defecated. Dogs that immediately start playing may forget to eliminate, and may go when you get back inside.

3. Wait outside as long as you need to for your dog to eliminate, and praise him immediately when he does. Don't get too excited during your praising, though; you may interrupt your dog and might not be able to get him to go again.

4. Pay close attention to your dog every time he is in the house. When you notice behavior such as a circling and sniffing the floor, immediately take your dog outside to eliminate.

5. Clean up any messes your dog makes in the house as completely as possible using an enzyme cleaner. A chemical carpet cleaner can set in stains and does not eliminate enough of the scent. If the scent remains, your dog will try to go in that spot again.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not punish your puppy for accidents in the house that occur before you notice your puppy needs to go. Your puppy won't understand what you are punishing him for; only say something like "No" or "Ah ah!" when you actually catch your puppy eliminating in the house, and then take him immediately outside.

References

• "The Original Dog Bible"; Kristin Mehus-Roe; 2005