Follow these steps on how to potty train a puppy: setup the rules, tailor to the puppy, keep the schedule, involve the family, and celebrate success.
Got a new pup but don’t know when or how to start potty-training? Young pups coming into a new home aren’t aware of the rules when going potty, so you as a dog owner are responsible for teaching them.
Ideally, you should start training your puppy as soon as it turns 12 weeks old. At this age, the pup will have some control over its bladder and bowel movements and can be potty-trained.
Ready to learn how to potty train a puppy? Keep reading to learn all you need to know about housetraining your pup efficiently.
Learn the Basics
When housebreaking a puppy, you need to establish some basic rules and behavior expectations. These are important for you as a dog owner, but also for the pup to learn where and when it should do its business.
For example, as soon as you wake up in the morning, let the pup outside its crate or outside the house to go potty. The same goes for after each meal or when the pup drinks a lot of water.
This way, the pup will learn a basic habit and won’t use hidden corners in the house to pee. You should be consistent with this and create a routine. If you forget to let the pup outside, you might find a huge pee stain on the carpet.
Give Lots of Treats and Attention
Potty training a puppy isn’t easy but armed with a little patience and lots of treats, it’s completely doable. Puppies are easy to train and they respond to stimuli from the owner.
If you scold the pup, you might end up with a bigger problem on your hands. Scared puppies tend to pee where they’re not supposed to. Instead, make sure you praise the pup whenever it does what you want it to. Treats work like a charm, as well as giving the pup lots of love and attention when it pees at the designated spot.
Have a Plan for When You’re Not at Home
One of the main reasons to potty-train your puppy is to avoid accidents inside the house when you’re not at home. You should either install a door flap so the pup can go out in the backyard or train it to use a dog litter box.
This way, you can leave the house without worrying the pup will pee everywhere and you won’t come home to a mess you need to clean.
Work With a Professional Dog Trainer
If potty training puppies isn’t your thing or you don’t have the time or energy to do it, hire a professional dog trainer. They can work with you and the pup a few times a week and train the pup some basic behaviors and habits.
On the other hand, if you have a natural gift for working with puppies, consider learning how to become a dog trainer. You’ll be around cute pups all day long, and you can work your own hours and make an actual living out of it.
Now You Know How to Potty Train a Puppy the Right Way
Now that you know the basics of how to potty train a puppy, it’s time to do the actual work. Depending on the puppy’s personality, breed, and unique needs and habits, you can potty-train a puppy in as little as 4 months.
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