Tips To Potty Train A Puppy

Congratulations for bringing home a new puppy! Potty training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved and house-trained puppy. Whether it’s a Pomapoo, Frenchie, Cavapoo, or any other breed, each puppy goes through potty training to discipline them properly and to avoid making a mess at home. The process can sometimes be challenging, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can successfully potty train your pet while keeping your home free from foul odour and unsightly mess. 

In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips to help you navigate the potty training journey and set your puppy up for success! Scroll down to get started on how to properly start the process and tips to potty train a puppy!

When to Start Potty Training a Puppy

The ideal time to start potty training your puppy is around 8 to 12 weeks (around 1 to 2 months) of age. However, they can also start as soon as you take your puppy home at 4-6 months when adopted. At this stage, puppies have developed enough physical and cognitive abilities to begin understanding and following basic commands. However, it’s important to remember that each puppy is unique, and their readiness for potty training may vary. Observe your puppy’s behavior and look for signs that they are ready to start potty training, such as sniffing the ground or circling before doing their business.

Establish a Schedule and Stick to It

Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Establishing a regular schedule will help your puppy develop a routine and reinforce good potty habits. Here are some important aspects to consider when setting up a potty training schedule:

Feeding Schedule

Feed your puppy at regular intervals throughout the day and take them to their designated potty area shortly after each meal. This will help create a predictable routine for elimination. Usually, after each meal, it’s expected that your puppy will go do their business. So, as much as possible, 15-30 minutes after your dog has eaten, take them to the designated place to potty.

Potty Breaks

Take your puppy outside or to their designated potty spot frequently, especially after waking up in the morning, from a nap, playing, drinking water, or before bedtime. Puppies have small bladders and need to eliminate more frequently than adult dogs.

Timing

Puppies, especially if they are not familiar with the surroundings yet, may take time to adapt. So, their potty schedule may be unpredictable if they have not been trained and are taken to a new place. Be patient and allow your puppy sufficient time to eliminate. Stay with them in the designated area until they have finished. Avoid rushing them, as it may lead to incomplete elimination and may continue the potty business once out of the designated area.

Supervision

Keep a close eye on your puppy when they are indoors. If you notice signs that they need to eliminate, such as restlessness, sniffing or circling around the same spot, take them outside immediately.

Crate Training

Crate training can be a valuable tool in potty training your puppy. Dogs naturally avoid doing the potty business in the same place as their sleeping area, making the crate a useful tool for teaching them bladder and bowel control. 

Select a crate that is appropriately sized for your puppy. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so spacious that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. Once you’ve chosen a crate, make the crate a positive and inviting space for your puppy. Place soft bedding, toys, and treats inside the crate to create a cosy environment. Encourage your puppy to enter the crate voluntarily and reward them for doing so.

Use the crate as a part of your potty training routine. Take your puppy outside to eliminate immediately after being let out of the crate, as they will likely need to go after a period of confinement. The crate should never be used as a form of punishment. It should be a safe and comfortable space where your puppy feels secure.

Pee Pad Training

Pee pad training can be a useful option, especially for puppies living in hdb apartments, small houses, or in situations where outdoor access is limited. Here are some tips for successful potty training a puppy with pee pad training:

Choose the designated area to lay down your pee pad for the potty training. Choose a location that is easily accessible for your puppy and easy to clean. Place the pee pad in the designated area and encourage your puppy to use it. You can use attractant sprays or drops specifically designed for pee pads to encourage your puppy to eliminate on the correct spot. They contain scents that help the pup know it’s the right spot to urinate or defecate on.

Whenever you observe signs that your puppy needs to eliminate, guide them to the pee pad area. Be patient and provide positive reinforcement when they use the pad correctly.

Once your puppy has developed good habits with the pee pad, gradually transition them to outdoor elimination. Move the pad closer to the door and eventually outside. This will help them associate the act of eliminating with outdoor spaces.

Reward for Positive Behaviour and Don’t Punish for Accidents

Never punish your pup for making a mistake in the middle of the potty training! Positive reinforcement is important in potty training. When your puppy eliminates in the designated area, immediately praise and reward them with treats or verbal praise. This will help them understand that eliminating in the right place is a desirable behaviour. Conversely, avoid punishing or scolding your puppy for accidents. Punishment can create fear and anxiety around elimination, making the potty training process more challenging.

Additional Tips for Potty Training Your New Puppy

In addition to the above tips, here are some additional suggestions to help you succeed in potty training your puppy.

1. Keep your puppy in a confined area or use baby gates to limit their access to the rest of the house. This will prevent them from having accidents in hidden areas.

2. Pay close attention to your puppy’s body language and behaviour. Signs such as circling, sniffing, or restlessness indicate that they may need to eliminate.

3. If accidents do occur, clean them up thoroughly using enzymatic cleaners designed specifically for pet messes. This will help eliminate residual odours that may attract your puppy to eliminate in the same spot again.

4. Potty training takes time, patience, and consistency. Be patient with your puppy and understand that accidents are a normal part of the learning process. Stay consistent with the schedule and training methods, and your puppy will eventually develop good potty habits.

Conclusion

Potty training a puppy requires time, patience, and consistency and pet owners should be prepared to deal with accidents and mistakes. By establishing a schedule, using crate training and pee pads, providing positive reinforcement, and being attentive to your puppy’s needs, you can successfully potty train your pet Remember to be patient and understanding during the process, as accidents are a normal part of the learning curve. With persistence and positive reinforcement, you will help your puppy develop good potty habits and let them grow up disciplined in their hygiene and elimination routines.