One of the hardest, and most frustrating, things about getting a new puppy is potty training. If you've ever owned a puppy, you know how frustrating it can be when you accidentally step in a pee/poo mess your puppy made on the floor. So, how can you help your puppy understand how to potty where you designate? Let's go back to the basics.
- Remember that your puppy is just a "baby". It will be hard for him/her to hold their potty long, especially when they are very young.
- Even if they have made a mess on your favorite rug, try not to get upset. They didn't do this on purpose.
- Remember this is a process. Your puppy will need time to learn how to potty in the right spot.
- Pick a spot. Decide if you want your puppy to be paper-trained or learn to potty outside. If you change your mind, it will confuse your puppy. They need consistency when learning proper behavior.
- Pick a consistent phrase when instructing your puppy. "Go potty on the paper." "Go potty outside." They will start to associate this phrase with the behavior you want.
- For small dogs, you may want to consider paper training. This may be easier than trying to get them to go potty outside. If so, make sure you have a designated spot where you will keep the paper available.
- You may want to consider washable pee pads to help cut down on cost:
- As soon as you bring your puppy home, show them where to go potty. If your puppy will potty outside, show them the area where you want them to potty outside. and use your phrase, "Go potty outside." If your puppy will potty on the paper, show them where the paper is and use the potty phrase that you selected, "Go potty on the paper."
- It is important to make this a positive experience. This will reinforce that your puppy is doing what you instructed. Include your potty phrase in the praise. "Good potty on the paper." "Good potty outside."
- Do not punish your puppy if they make a mistake. Instead, put your puppy in their potty spot and repeat your potty phrase.
- As stated earlier, your puppy won't have the ability to "hold it" very long. So, you will need to make sure to allow your puppy to go potty during regular intervals. For example, take your puppy outside (or put him/her on the pad) when they wake up, after eating, before bed, etc. Schedule consistency is key with potty training. Your puppy will learn when they will go potty and will learn to wait.
Although potty training takes time, your puppy has the ability to learn quickly. Just make sure you provide the tools and consistency he/she needs to ensure potty training becomes second nature.
Don't forget to celebrate your puppy's success!