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6 Potty Training Tips for Puppies: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

"Dogs are beloved pets, and many people enjoy the experience of training their furry friends, with a particular focus on potty training. The following are four effective methods to teach your dog to answer nature's call in the right place."

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Potty training should start early as puppies are more receptive to training and developing good habits. With the following 6 methods, you can teach your dog to relieve themselves in the right places.

1. Reasons Why Dogs May Relieve Themselves in the Wrong Places

Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s inappropriate elimination

Dogs may relieve themselves inappropriately due to their psychological state. While excitement urination when greeting their owners is common, uncontrolled defecation or urination may be a sign of fear, trauma from beatings, stress, or other psychological issues. It could also be a result of medical conditions such as diarrhea, worms, or infectious hepatitis.

2. Signs That Your Dog Needs to Relieve Themselves

Pay attention to these signs that indicate your dog needs to go potty

Dogs may need to relieve themselves after waking up, eating, or leaving their crate or home. They may exhibit behaviors such as circling, sniffing, squatting, or whining. If you notice your dog displaying any of these signs, gently interrupt them and take them to the designated potty area.

3. Where to Start with Potty Training Your Dog

Begin potty training by understanding your dog’s habits and establishing a routine

Understand your dog’s habits and personality: Identify the places where your dog is most likely to relieve themselves when given the opportunity.

Establish a consistent feeding schedule: Feeding your dog at specific times makes it easier to predict when they’ll need to go potty.

Control the timing of potty breaks: Taking your dog out every 3 to 4 hours is ideal. Alternatively, take them out after meals and upon waking up.

Start potty training from their sleeping area: Dogs typically don’t relieve themselves where they sleep, so they’ll want to go outside. Use this opportunity to teach them the designated potty spots and praise them when they get it right. If they make a mistake, gently correct them without scolding and patiently guide them to the correct spot.

4. 6 Methods to Potty Train Your Dog

Method 1: Outdoor Potty Training

For this method, you’ll need access to a yard or outdoor space. Take your dog out through the same door and along a familiar route to establish a routine. They’ll soon associate the path with relieving themselves and develop a good habit.

Puppies may need to relieve themselves multiple times a day, so adjust the timing accordingly. This method requires patience and consistency on your part.

Method 2: Preventing Accidents in the Crate

This method teaches your dog to hold their bladder and bowels while in the crate, keeping it clean. If your dog stays in the crate for extended periods, they may not be able to control their elimination. Teach them to exit the crate and relieve themselves in the designated area. You can also establish a fixed schedule for them to follow, helping them regulate their behavior.

Additionally, teach your dog to differentiate between areas for sleeping, eating, and relieving themselves. This way, you won’t have to worry about accidents in the crate or even inside your home.

Method 3: Paper Training

This method involves teaching your dog to relieve themselves on paper, pads, or newspapers. Place the paper in areas that are easy to clean, like the bathroom, avoiding their play, eating, and sleeping areas. Observe their behavior after placing the paper to see if they show any signs of needing to go.

When they do relieve themselves on the paper, wait for the urine to soak into the lower layers, then replace the soiled paper with a fresh sheet. Ensure you place the fresh paper below the soiled one so your dog can smell the scent and be guided to the right spot next time.

If they forget and relieve themselves elsewhere, patiently place the soiled paper with their scent on top of fresh sheets. When they make a mistake, use an odor neutralizer to prevent them from being guided by their scent to the wrong spot again.

Method 4: Potty Training Using a Tray or Toilet

Potty Training Using a Tray

Teaching your dog to use a tray will make cleaning up after their accidents much easier.

Purchase a pet tray from a pet store, choosing one suitable for your pet’s age and height. Soak an absorbent pad with a small amount of your pet’s urine and place it in the tray. This will help your pet recognize the designated spot. To minimize cleanup, place the tray near their crate or your toilet.

Lead your pet to the tray and give a command like “pee” or “poop.” After a few days of consistent practice, they should become proficient at using the tray.

Teaching your dog to use a tray for their potty needs

Potty Training Using a Toilet

First, observe where your dog usually relieves themselves and soak an absorbent pad with their urine. Place the pad in the toilet to indicate the desired spot.

Lead your dog to the toilet and let them sniff the pad while giving the command “pee” or “poop.” After a few days of consistent practice, they will associate the toilet with relieving themselves.

When your dog needs to go, take them to the toilet, give the command, and let them stay there for about 10 minutes. Repeat this process consistently, and within a week, your dog should be well-trained.

Method 5: Using Scent-Guiding Sprays

You can purchase specially formulated sprays that guide dogs to relieve themselves in specific areas. Simply spray the product in the desired spot, and your dog will be attracted to the scent and relieve themselves there. After 3 to 5 days, they should become accustomed to the scent and understand where they are allowed to go potty.

Method 6: Using a Fenced-Off Area

For new dogs, you can set up a fenced-off area of about 10 square meters near the toilet. This will help them develop the right habits while giving them a sense of freedom within the confined space.

5. What to Do When Your Dog Makes a Mistake

When your dog relieves themselves in the wrong place, avoid hitting or scolding them. Dogs may not understand the connection between the punishment and their mistake. Instead, gently grip their neck, give a mild rebuke (“No peeing here!”), and lead them to the designated potty area. Keep them there for 1 to 2 minutes, but don’t confine them as a form of punishment!

Afterward, use an odor neutralizer to eliminate the smell of their waste, discouraging them from relieving themselves in that spot again.

To maintain your dog’s hygiene and prevent skin problems, don’t forget to follow these grooming tips. We hope that with this guide, you’ll no longer have to worry about your dog’s potty habits. For more insights, feel free to explore our other articles on pet care!

Frequently asked questions

Start by setting up a consistent routine with regular meal times and potty breaks. Use a specific command like ‘go potty’ when taking your puppy outside to relieve themselves. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they eliminate outdoors. If accidents happen inside, clean up without punishing your puppy and focus on preventing future incidents by being more vigilant.

You’ll need a good quality leash and collar or harness for taking your puppy outside. Invest in a crate that’s just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Having puppy pads or fake grass patches indoors can also be helpful during the training process.

Puppies generally need to relieve themselves after waking up, after playing, after eating, and sometimes after drinking water. A good rule of thumb is to take your puppy out every hour when they’re awake and actively playing, and then gradually increase the time between breaks as they get older and gain better bladder control.

Clean up the mess without scolding your puppy. Use an enzyme-based cleaner to eliminate odors and prevent your puppy from being attracted to the same spot for future accidents. After cleaning, take your puppy outside to their designated potty area and use your chosen command. Praise them if they eliminate outdoors.

Choose a consistent spot outdoors for your puppy’s potty area. Take your puppy to this spot every time they need to go. Use a specific command like ‘go potty’ and reward them with treats and praise when they eliminate in the correct area. Over time, your puppy will associate the command and the spot with the action of relieving themselves.

Every puppy is different, and some may take longer to master potty training. Be consistent with your routine and commands. Make sure you’re supervising your puppy closely and taking them out frequently enough. If issues persist, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized advice.