Puppy Potty Training

Potty training your puppy can take some patience and consistency, but with the right approach, your puppy will quickly learn where and when it's appropriate to go. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. SET A SCHEDULE

   • Puppies thrive on routine, so establish a regular schedule for feeding and potty breaks.

   • Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps, and before bedtime. Puppies usually need to go out every 2-3 hours. They say a puppy can hold its bladder for approximately the months of age the puppy is. Example: if the puppy is three months old, it can hold its bladder for 3 hours.

     
     

2. CHOOSE A POTTY SPOT

   • Designate a specific spot outside for your puppy to go potty. This helps them associate that spot with bathroom time.

   • Take them to the same spot each time so they know where to go.

     
     

3. PRAISE AND REWARD

   • Every time your puppy goes potty outside, immediately praise them and give them a treat or positive reinforcement. This helps them connect the action with a reward.

   • Be sure the praise is immediate - dogs live int h e moment, so if you wait too long, they may not associate the praise with their behavior.

     
     

4. SUPERVISE INDOORS

   • When your puppy is indoors, keep a close eye on them. If you can't watch them closely, consider using a crate or a playpen. Dogs typically avoid soiling their sleeping area.

   • Watch for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing around, circling, or heading toward the door.

   
   

5. USE A CRATE (OPTIONAL)

   • A crate can help with potty training by teaching your puppy to hold their bladder. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their den.

   • Ensure the crate is the right size; it should be big enough for them to stand up and turn around, but not too large where they have space to potty in one corner.

   
   

6. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

   • If your puppy has an accident indoors, don't punish them. Instead, clean it up thoroughly to remove any scent, as puppies often return to spots they've soiled before.

   • Use an enzymatic cleaner to get rid of odors that might attract your puppy to go there again. We find using vinegar helps reduce and/or eliminate the odor.

   • If you catch your puppy in the act of having an accident, calmly interrupt them with a gentle "no" and take them outside to finish.

   
   

7. PATIENCE AND CONSISTENCY

   • Puppies take time to learn, and accidents are part of the process. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

   • Stay patient, as some puppies may take a few weeks to fully grasp the concept.

   
   

8. NIGHTTIME POTTY TRAINING

   • At night, you might need to wake up to take your puppy out if they're still very young. As they get older, they'll be able to sleep through the night without needing a potty break.

   • Avoid giving them water right before bedtime, as this can help prevent nighttime accidents. We stop giving water 2 to 4 hours prior to bedtime.

     
     

9. GRADUAL FREEDOM

   • As your puppy becomes more reliable about going potty outside, you can gradually give them more freedom inside your home.

   • Keep monitoring their behavior to make sure they're still following the rules.

COMMON TIPS:

• Set a realistic expectation: Remember that puppies don't have full control over their bladders until they're about 4-6 months old.

• Use puppy pads: Some owners use puppy pads for indoor potty training, especially when they can't get outside often. But try to transition away from them when your puppy is old enough to hold it longer. We do not use the traditional puppy pad that is disposable but rather a washable pet mat that the puppy cannot easily chew, as with the traditional puppy pads.