Call it what you will — potty training, house training or house breaking — potty training a puppy is one thing that most new dog owners don’t look forward to. This is probably because they’re not sure where to start. After all, each person you ask will probably give you different advice on how to potty train your new dog.
Here are six simple tips on how to potty train a puppy that any dog owner can use to make it as easy as possible for both you and your dog.
Tip #1: Have a Consistent Feeding Schedule
Some dog owners like the idea of free feeding their dogs. This means they leave a bowl of food out all day, letting their dog eat whenever he’s hungry. While free feeding is convenient for you as a dog owner, it can create a problem when you’re housebreaking a new dog. It’s much easier to potty train a dog if you follow a schedule and feed him at the same time each day.
Here’s why Dogs are like people. They usually have to go potty after they finish eating. Using a set feeding schedule lets you control when your dog eats – and when he’ll need to go outside to go potty. You’ll be able to take him outside right after eating – and your puppy will have a lot fewer mistakes.
Tip #2: Help Your Puppy Succeed By Following A Potty Schedule
Although you’ll be taking your puppy outside right after eating, you will also need to take him outside as often as possible during the day. If your schedule means you can only take him out 3 or 4 times a day, be sure you do it at the same times each day.
Having a schedule helps you remember to take him out during the day. And this routine gives your new puppy a sense of security. Without a schedule, puppies tend to become anxious. Anxiety will cause digestive problems in your puppy, and that will make house training harder on both of you.
Tip #3: Choose A “Potty” Command And Use It Consistently
Pick a command word that you are comfortable using — no matter where you are or who you’re with. Here are a few common commands: “potty” “go potty” “go peepee” and “tinkle.”
Once you choose a command, start saying it every time you want your new dog to go potty. In the beginning, don’t say it unless you are standing right where you want him to go. As he grows, you can open the door and give the command. He’ll run outside all on his own and go potty right where you want him to.
Tip #4: Never Scold Your Dog for Having An Accident
Almost every puppy has an accident while house training – some more than others. When this happens, always remain calm. Don’t scold him – and whatever you do, never rub his nose in it. This is not just outdated advice it’s also completely ineffective.
Making your dog feel that going potty is bad isn’t going to help. Your dog can’t help himself – when he’s got to go, he’s got to go! What you need to teach him instead, is that good things happen when he goes potty in the right place, which leads us to the next tip
Tip #5: Always Praise and Reward Your Puppy When He’s Successful
You probably haven’t started obedience training, but this is a good time to learn about positive reinforcement. Every time your puppy does what you’ve asked him to do, you should praise and reward him. This includes potty training.
It’s a good habit to combine sincere praise with some kind of reward. Rewards can be showing him love and affection, giving him a tasty treat, or spending a few minutes playing with him. Whatever you choose, it’s vital that your puppy is rewarded immediately so he remembers that going potty means getting a reward.
Start by praising him verbally while he’s actually going potty. Say “good boy! Good potty!” in a friendly upbeat voice. Give him some lovin’ or a treat that you’ve brought along. Or toss his favorite toy for a short game of fetch. If you’re on a walk, you can bounce the ball and let him catch it “mid-bounce” as a reward.
Just remember, you must reward your puppy immediately. Getting praise and a treat will make your puppy happy. He’ll quickly connect going potty on command with happiness and joy.
Tip #6: Reduce Accidents With Crate Training Your Puppy
It’s beyond the scope of this article to explain crate training in detail, but there are some great reasons to consider it – especially when potty training your new puppy
When you crate train your puppy, you’re able to kennel him when you can’t watch him yourself. Dogs are den animals, and they don’t like to soil their dens. This means your puppy will “naturally” wait until you’ve taken him out of his crate before he goes potty.
There are two important things to remember: First, never leave him in his crate for too long. Second, always take him out to go potty as soon as you let him out of his crate. Most of the time, your puppy will already have to go potty. With your help, he’ll be going go potty exactly where you want him to go!
No matter what, your dog is going to love you unconditionally. Training him properly will make him a happy, confident dog that’s fun to have around. Following these tips will help you get through potty training with flying colors!