Potty Training Tips For Dogs

Potty Training Your Puppy: A Realistic Guide

So, you just brought home this adorable little puppy! You're infatuated with the little guy or gal who can do no wrong. That is, until you step in a wet spot—yep, it's pee!

The first couple of weeks are easy to forgive and forget; after all, they’re just baby dogs! But as weeks turn into months, frustration can creep in. Trust me, I’ve been there. But don’t lose hope! Potty training takes time and commitment.

Tip 1: Be patient—with them and yourself.

You get to choose when to you use the restroom in the appropriate place; your puppy doesn’t. They rely on you every time they need to go outside. Maybe they drank a bunch of water after playtime when you weren’t looking. Maybe that new treat upset their tummy. Or maybe you lost track of time. It happens. Clean up the mess and move on. They won’t potty in the house forever—if you do your part. 😉

Tip 2: Keep your puppy close or in a kennel.

This helps you monitor when they drink, play, or wake up from a nap—all key times for potty breaks. If you can’t watch them, put them in their crate. Crate training has given me the most success. Dogs don't like to potty in their space, so it gives them incentive to hold it. I have also kept my pup on a leash inside the house so I don't get distracted and walk away without my pup and she can't sneak off.

Tip 3: Be consistent with potty breaks.

Take them out after sleeping, eating, drinking, and playing. Track the time since their last break or accident so you know when they more than likely need to go out. Don’t trick yourself into thinking they can wait a just little longer or you’ll probably have a mess to clean up. I like to set alarms as reminders; sometimes we’re the ones who need the training.

Tip 4: Use positive reinforcement.

Break up quality treats into tiny pieces, you’ll be using them often in the beginning. You want them to still have room for nutritious meal times. Every time your pup potties outside, reward them with praise, affection, and a treat. Even if you don’t have a treat handy, let them know they did a great job!

Tip 5: Go to the same spot every time.

Dogs are creatures of habit. Using the same area teaches them where they’re supposed to go and makes cleanup easier. You can go on a fun walk to other areas after they have done their business in their designated spot.

Final Thoughts

It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months for a dog to be fully potty trained, and maybe longer for those stubborn fellas. Like anything worthwhile, the results are worth the patience and hard work. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with. And even if you’ve gotten off track, it’s never too late to restart with these tips. You've got this!