Potty training tips – an important part of having a happy/healthy relationship with your new puppy. Did you know a lot of people struggle with potty training? Don’t get frustrated, you’ve got this! I will warn you… it will take time and effort on your part to be successful.
Little puppies live in a big world…even if your house is small it seems big to them. It is easy for a puppy to sneak off to a corner while you aren’t looking. Puppies/dogs do not like to eliminate in their sleep areas, if they have a large area to roam more accidents happen. So, make their world a little bit smaller and close off rooms where your puppy may sneak off to eliminate.
Make a schedule and stick with it. Consistency is incredibly important! If you notice an accident at the hour mark…take it down to 45minutes. Set a timer if needed. If you have set your schedule to a specific time…stick to that. Push it earlier if accidents are happening.
Get ALL family members onboard! We want to prevent accidents before they happen! Kids are great helpers when given a job. If you cannot actively supervise your puppy have someone else help out.
Use a crate! If you cannot directly supervise or you don’t have anyone else that can…its okay to use a crate. Take your puppy to go potty first, then place them in their crate while you make dinner, or shower…
Leash them up! Hook your puppy’s leash to you and have them follow you around the house. This makes their world smaller and you will be able to see signs of your puppy needing to go.
Use a bell! Bell training can be really fun and breaks our attention to remind us when puppy needs to go.
DO NOT punish for old accidents. Dogs/puppies do not understand what has happened in the past, they live in the now. You can correct if they are in the process of going. Say “Oh No!” pick your puppy up and take them to their potty area. Praise once they have finished outside.
Stop playtime for a potty break! Sometimes puppies are so busy having fun, they forget to do their business… Before you bring your puppy inside, take them to their potty area. If you are playing hard inside, take them out to go.
Reevaluate the potty area! Does your puppy feel comfortable going in that area? Do they feel exposed or vulnerable? Is the grass too long, and itchy? If your puppy doesn’t feel comfortable in their ‘potty area’ they may prefer your house.
Praise, praise, praise, treat, treat, treat. Make going potty outside rewarding. Our puppies want us to be happy!
Are you having happy pee problems? Call the family ahead of time for the puppy to relieve themselves before you see them. Happy pee should be a GOOD but messy sign of how much your puppy/dog loves you. Don’t get mad, prevent as much a possible. Most puppies grow out of it some can’t hold their excitement!
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