HOW TO POTTY TRAIN YOUR PUPPY

Potty training your puppy is about consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. The goal is to instill good habits and build a loving bond with your pet.

It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully potty trained, but some puppies may take up to a year. Size can be a predictor. For instance, smaller breeds have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms and require more frequent trips outside.

When you start training don’t expect for your puppy to be perfect an not have accidents. In the the first few weeks old habit will need to be broken so new habits can take lead but don’t get discouraged it takes time . As long as you continue a management program that includes taking puppy out at the first sign he needs to go and offering him rewards, they’ll learn.

WHEN TO BEGIN HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAM

Teaching your new puppy to potty at the right time and place is one of the most important first steps you can take for a long, happy life together. According to research 12 to 16 week old puppies are the ideal age to start potty training because that is when a puppy will start to gain bladder and bowel movement control.

TOP TWO BEST METHODS FOR POTTY TRIANING YOUR PUPPY

CRATE TRAINING VS. POTTY PAD TRAINING

CRATE TRAINING: Crate training is the process of teaching a pet to accept a dog crate or cage as a familiar and safe location. Advocates claim that dogs are den-dwelling animals and that a crate can become a den substitute.

Understand that crate training is not cruel. In spite of what some people may have told you, breeders and veterinarians recommend using a crate for your dog from a young age.

Choose a well-ventilated crate that is large enough for your puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Remember that your puppy’s crate will have to expand as they grow, so purchase a crate that is appropriate for your dog’s expected full-grown size, and use a divider to make the crate smaller for the time being. Many crates available at pet-supply stores include dividers.

A crate that’s too small will be uncomfortable for your dog, but a crate that’s too large may give your dog the space they need to have an accident without it ruining their bedding. This behavior might encourage future accidents in the crate and around the home.

The most important part of crate training is making sure your puppy always associates it with a positive experience.

You can use blankets or dog beds to make it cozy. You can also place toys inside to help with teething and keep puppy occupied. Try covering crate with a lightweight blanket to mimic a “den” environment. Make sure it is still ventilated and not too hot if you do this.

Recommend bringing your puppy to the crate for mid-day naps and quite-time breaks. Start in increments of 10 minutes and work up to longer periods. Offer treats when they go inside crate, and distraction toys, like a stuffed KONG.

Whenever you take the puppy out of the crate, take him for a walk immediately so he can use the bathroom and develop the habit that potty time comes after crate time. Remember to applaud your puppy after they use to the bathroom outside to let them know they are a good boy or girl.

It’s also helpful to keep puppies in the crate overnight. They may cry the first night or two—in most cases, they are simply adjusting to home without their mom and littermates. Most puppies should be able to sleep through the night without a potty break by 4 months of age, but if you’re in doubt, take them outside.

POTTY PAD TRAINING: Potty pad training is the process of teaching a puppy to use the bathroom inside your home on top of the pad in a designated area. It is the litter box for dogs.

Having your puppy go outside is the ideal solution, but potty pads can sometimes play a role in successful potty training. For example, with very young puppies it’s necessary to make frequent trips outside. That might be too challenging for elderly owners or apartment dwellers. Or if you don’t have a backyard and your dog’s toilet area is a public place, you might want to limit your puppy’s exposure until he’s fully vaccinated.

Pee pad training your dog is not difficult, but it does require patience. To be successful, someone will have to be with your puppy for long periods of time over the first few days to show them your expectations for using the pee pads. Puppies will be easier to train to use pee pads, however, adults can be trained as well. It just may take more time and patience, as you are not only teaching them a new skill but potentially changing previous habits.

Place pee pads across the entire floor of a small room. When possible, use a hard surface floor instead of carpet. As your dog is learning to use the pee pads, place him in the room with a “potty” command or another verbal cue. Each time you visit the room with your pup, let them sniff around without allowing them to play. Once your puppy uses the bathroom, use the command word again and offer your dog a treat. While training, be sure to visit the room often. About ten minutes after eating, visit the pee pad room with your puppy, repeating the steps above. Keep a close eye on your puppy as they train to use the pee pads. Reward for positive behaviors and redirect if they have an accident elsewhere. Keep actively training your puppy until they can go into the room by themselves to eliminate. As they learn what the pads are there for, you can remove some pads and keep only what you need in that room instead of covering the entire floor.

DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN POTTY TRAINING YOUR PUPPY

• Punishing your puppy for having an accident is a definite no-no. It teaches your puppy to fear you.
• If you catch your puppy in the act, clap loudly so they know they’ve done something unacceptable. Then take them outside by calling them or taking them gently by the collar. When your puppy is finished, praise them or give them a small treat.
• If you found the evidence but didn’t see the act, don’t react angrily by yelling or rubbing their nose in it. Puppies aren’t intellectually capable of connecting your anger with their accident.
• Staying outside longer with puppy may help to curb accidents. They may need the extra time to explore.
• Clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleanser rather than an ammonia-based cleaner to minimize odors that might attract the puppy back to the same spot.