Puppy Potty Training: It's Not as Hard as You May Think
"Not on the Carpet!" How many times have you yelled this,
or something similar, at your new puppy? While soiling the
house is bound to happen on occasion with a new puppy, potty
training is easier than you may think, although it does
take some time, patience, and consistency.
Establish a Routine
First off, realize that puppies have a potty pattern. They
need to go after they sleep, after they eat or drink, after
they play, and after they've been confined, such as in a crate.
You will find that most accidents happen when you forget to
take your dog out after playing or sleeping or eating. Therefore,
it really helps to establish a consistent routine with your
puppy. Whenever you lead your puppy to his bathroom spot,
use a specific word like "outside," "potty time," or whatever
word/phrase you prefer as long as you consistently use the
same one. Take your dog to the same toilet area (a spot relatively
close to your house) and the same route to it each time so
your puppy gets to know the drill. Don't let your puppy roam
and sniff around until he has completed his "business." After
he is done, praise him for doing a good job. While your puppy
is in the process of eliminating, use a command like
"go potty." Do this consistently and your dog will learn to
go on cue. My dog does this and it is pretty amazing, although
sometimes she will "fake pee" just to please me.
 
Some people like to use "piddle pads" for potty training. They're biodegradable with five layers to protect your floors. They're infused with a natural attractant to let dogs know where to go.
Teaching Your Dog to "Give the
Signal"
After a week or so, your puppy will have the idea of what he
is supposed to do outside. Now he needs to learn to give you
a signal when he needs to go to the bathroom. Take him to the
door, but don't say anything. Does he stare at the door? Is
he eager to go out? Now use your word: "What is it? Potty time?
Good doggy." Then try this from various rooms in your house.
Soon your dog will be able to signal to you when he needs to
go out. Recognize that different dogs have different signals.
My dog stares at me, wags her tail and stomps her feet to let
me know she has to go potty.
Some Final Potty Training Tips
- Although it may be frustrating, sometimes accidents will
happen during the potty training process. If you catch your
puppy in the act, make a loud noise, jump up and down, or
clap your hands, anything to startle him and get him to
stop. Immediately take your dog outside to his toilet area
and act like nothing is wrong. Be sure to praise him when
he finishes.
- Never scold your puppy or rub his nose in it if he goes
in the house. Although the puppy may understand you are
mad, he won't be able to connect it with the act he just
did.
- Be sure your puppy has a consistent diet and don't change
dog foods while you are house training. A change of food
may upset his stomach. Also watch your dog's water intake,
as some puppies will drink too much water out of boredom.
In this case, some people like to monitor water intake by
providing water at meal times and bathroom times and not
24/7.
Most of all, be consistent and give praise for a "job" well
done. Take heart and keep a positive attitude; you will
have a potty-trained pup very soon.
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