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Bringing home a new puppy can be both exciting and overwhelming; much like bringing home a new baby. Let’s face it they are our babies. But when faced with the task of potty training it can seem very daunting at first.
The early stages can be filled with lots of accidents and can be very frustrating, which is why getting into the right mindset before you begin is key. The main objective is to get your puppy to learn to go potty outside and the best way to do this is by not giving them the chance to go indoors. This might sound obvious but it’s important to remember that the whole concept is not about punishing your puppy for going inside but making sure they have the opportunity to go outside.
1. Consistency is Key
Pick a spot for your puppy to go outside. Make sure you take your puppy to the same location so they can smell “their spot” and know that’s where they need to go.
2. Observe
Watch and look for the signs of need to go. They might not speak to you but their body language says it all. When you notice these signs you can bring your puppy to their potty spot.
- Squatting
- Sniffing the floor
- Going in circles a lot
- Barking or scratching at the door
- Smelling their bum
- Looking at you and running to the door
3. Routine
Make feeding time and potty times a routine. When house training a puppy, keep meals scheduled. What goes in has to come out. Having a routine will help your puppy recognize appropriate times to go to the potty. A routine or simple schedule will build trust and make you and puppers know what to expect throughout the day.
4. Frequency
Puppy's have to go to their potty spot a lot in order to recognize that, that is where they need to go. They also need to go often, especially when they are just starting out. Younger the puppy the less control over their bladder they will have. Puppy’s less than 3 months of age need to go to potty preferably every 2-3 hours at least. Because they’re still developing their muscles necessary to hold it.
5. Don’t Forget
Always practice positive reinforcement. When they have an accident and they will have accidents. Don’t spank, yell or rub their nose in it. Dogs do not associate these violent acts with doing something wrong. It just teaches them not to trust and become fearful. Accidents are no one’s fault and are just normal bodily functions done in inconvenient locations. So praise them when they do a good job, whether it’s a good boy and a pat on the head or treats. Make sure they get their reward immediately following so they have a positive association with going outside.
Not everyone learns at the same speed, some take longer than others, and some get it right off. Just remember with patience, consistency and praise your puppy will learn to go potty outside.
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