Tips on Potty Training Puppies

By A. Farley

Instructions

Potty Training 101

Step 1:
A few ground rules can set you and your puppy up for success. Supervise a new puppy as much as possible. Avoiding accidents and catching your puppy in the act will set him up for success.

The first ground rule involves yelling at your dog. Never yell at your dog unless he is in immediate danger or physical harm. If you catch your dog in the middle of an accident say "No, no, no," immediately take him to his potty spot and give the command to go potty. If you find an accident and yell at your dog, he will not understand that going potty indoors is wrong. Instead he will learn that you are scary and that going potty is wrong. He will grow to fear and distrust you as an owner and learn to hide his accidents better.

Always reward your puppy for good potty habits. If the dog alerts you that he needs to go out, tell him "good boy." When the dog goes potty outside give him a small treat or say "Good boy go potty" or "good potty." These small steps condition the dog to repeat the wanted behavior.

Use repetition to set your dog up for success. Always take your dog through the same door for potty breaks. Use the same command word or phrase, such as "Go potty." Try putting a bell on the door you use, as some dogs will learn to hit the bell when they need to go outside.

Meals

Step 1:
Consider when the dog is allowed to have food and water. If meals are left out all day you are asking for trouble. Allow a new puppy to have water and food on a routine feeding schedule. Knowing when the food is going in will help predict when the dog will need a potty break.

Crate Training

Step 1:
Crate training is a great potty training tool for new puppies. Set up a comfortable small space for your puppy. There should be just enough space for the dog to stand up and turn around. Too much room will allow the dog to go potty in the crate. Put the puppy in the crate for very small increments of time. Start with a few minutes and progress as the puppy ages, up to a few hours. This will help the pup learn to control her bladder and potty habits because dogs generally don't like to potty where they sleep. Keep in mind that puppies have smaller bladders and will need to relieve themselves every two to four hours.

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