Need help potty training your puppy? Check out this video for some helpful tips and tricks to help your dog learn how to go outside.
Some of our favorite tips for Potty Training a Puppy:
When In doubt, Take Them Out!
Just like the video says, if you think there’s even the tiniest chance that your puppy is getting ready to go inside, take them outside or to their pee pad as soon as possible!
Treat Your Dog For Going Outside
So many people believe that rubbing a dog’s nose in their own pee is the way to housebreak them. In real life, you’re only scaring your dog, and not making any kind of positive association with going outside. Whenever your dog goes out and does his business, give him a treat and praise so he’ll make THAT association and want to go out whenever he needs to go!
Don’t Give Your Dog Full Run Of the House
Seriously. The closer your dog is to you, the more likely you are to be able to spot and correct him if he starts to have an accident inside. You can use baby gates to keep your dog in the same room you are in so you can keep an eye on him.
Crate Training Helps With Housebreaking
Crate training is a great idea for many reasons, but one of the best is actually housebreaking. You probably aren’t home 24/7 to make sure your dog isn’t peeing on the floor! But, most dogs won’t urinate where they sleep and drink water. (and if you have a young puppy, this helps cut down on coming home to chewed up furniture, too!) Make sure your crate is an appropriate size for your dog. Make sure your dog has time to go outside before being kenneled up. Then make sure you take him immediately outside and praise him and give some treats when he does his business there. Make sure you do that immediately, or you still may be cleaning up a puddle!
Take Your Puppy Out As Soon As You Both Wake Up
It may not be fun in rain or winter, but this is essential! Especially if your puppy sleeps through the whole night with you, they pretty much wake up ready to pop. So keep the leash and robe handy if you don’t have a fenced yard – there’s no way around this one in the beginning. And while going out in the cold or the rain may not be your idea of a fantastic start to your day, it’s better than mopping up puddles! And, as your dog gets a little older, they’ll be able to hold it long enough for you to at least throw some clothes on first 🙂
Take Your Dog Out As Soon As He Finishes Eating or Drinking Water
Many puppies will need to go out pretty quickly after they eat or drink. Some may not go right away, but it seems like there’s kindof a standard among dog trainers that most puppies WILL go within 15 minutes. This is a great chance to learn a little about how your dog works. It may be a good time for you to hang out on the back porch and relax while your dog wanders around a little, or your dog may have to go immediately after a meal or drink. Whichever way it goes, don’t forget to keep an eye on him and show him a little love for going where he’s supposed to!
Accidents Will Still Happen
Even the most attentive puppy parent will still have to do a bit of cleanup. Especially if you didn’t see your dog going to the bathroom on your bath mat, remember you are past the point of punishment and just clean it up. If you spot your dog getting ready to go in the hallway, clapping your hands together sharply or some other loud noise will often distract them long enough for them to stop, and let you get them outside. Then, give treats and praise when he goes outside, even if you do still have a little cleanup inside.
Is your dog still being a little stubborn? Get a free dog training mini course and expert advice on housebreaking a puppy.
