Dog Puppy Potty Training

Okay, so you picked up your puppy and brought it home. First, let me congratulate you on your new family member. Now you probably have seen that the puppy has had a few potty accidents in your home already...and it’s only been home for 5 hours. No big deal right? Well, it’s not a big problem and every new puppy owner will have the same struggle as you are currently experiencing. Dog puppy potty training is not difficult, but it will take some knowledge, patience and love. This article will give you some ideas and information about how to be successfully in potty training your new puppy. 

Crate Training

You will see many different approaches on dog puppy potty training. My personal approach is to use a crate for training and sleeping. Remember, never leave any type of collar or pet toy in the crate with you puppy. Collars can get snagged on the crate and can injure your puppy. Please follow the crate manufactures directions to ensure all safety instructions are followed.

The First Few Weeks

At 12 weeks old, a puppy should be able to hold it's bladder for about 2 hours. If you wait any longer than that the puppy is likely to have an accident. It's also important to understand that puppies will give you signs that they have to go potty. You may see them circling or sniffing around. Another sign you may see is that they will walk in a circle. Remember that you have a puppy, they may show you one of these signs but be prepared because they will go potty very fast if you don’t get the pup outside. Don't worry, if they have an accident quickly bring them out side. This will teach them to go out when they need to potty. Be patient as it will take time to potty train the puppy.

Getting your puppy on a proper feeding routine is very important to help you in potty training. There are different methods that people use for feeding. Some people like to leave the food out all day so a puppy can eat when they are hungry. The other method is to have set times when the puppy will eat. For example morning, afternoon, and evening. I find the latter approach works the best for me. In my option, it's easier to get them on a potty schedule this way. They eat and then 15 minutes later out they got to go potty. I also prefer giving access to water 24/7. If you are unsure and need advice please contact your vet.

Whenever the puppy is not under close supervision the safest place for it is in its crate. This will help avoid potty accidents during the first few weeks at home. Once the puppy has proven itself and has no accidents in the crate, then you can open up more space for it to play. I would not give it open access to the whole house, but start off with a small area and then open more of the house up as the puppy gets older and has no accidents.

Below is a brief routine for dog puppy potty training:

Morning - When you first wake up, take the puppy outside to go potty.

Feedings - When the puppy finishes eating, wait 15 minutes, and then take it out side to go potty(always feed the puppy in the crate, dogs don't like to potty where they eat)

Potty breaks - Take the puppy outside every 2 hours, as they get older this time can increase.

Bed time - Take the puppy out to potty prior to going to bed.

Lastly, remember, training your puppy should be fun. Always give positive reinforcement when the puppy goes potty outside. Never hit your puppy or rub its face in its potty if it has an accident in the house. If you catch them going potty give a quick but firm "NO" then take the puppy outside immediately. Once a dog has been puppy potty trained you should not see anymore accidents in the house.