Having a new puppy in the home is much like having a new baby. There are many things to be learned, by both you and the puppy. One of the most important, and often most difficult things to teach your puppy, is where and when to potty. But where is one supposed to start?
The road to housebreaking a dog is paved with small successes and the occasional accident. But at the end, you’ll enjoy a lifetime of having a dog that answers nature’s call outside. Here’s what to know.
Puppy Potty Training Tips
First things first: no two dogs are alike. A training method that works for one dog may not work with another. Yet, there are some basic things to keep in mind when housebreaking a puppy. These tips include:
Setting a Schedule
Puppies and small dogs need to use the bathroom often due to their little bladders. So, it is important that you set a schedule that will work for both you and your dog. Start by watching your pup’s habits and learn how much time passes between potty breaks.
Picking a Designated Pee/Poop Spot
Decide where you want your puppy to do its business, making sure it is a surface the dog will want to use. Once they start to use this spot, their scent will build up, and they will learn quickly that this is their personal bathroom space. If accidents do happen, immediately clean the area to remove the scent.
Catching Accidents as They Happen
While housebreaking your dog, no matter how smart your dog is, there are going to be a few accidents along the way. By catching these accidents in the making, you can correct the behavior and redirect your dog to do its business outside. In the meantime, keep the puppy away from carpets and rugs until he is trained. Also, be sure to have all the necessary cleaning supplies close by.
Establishing a Routine
In addition to setting a schedule, you should establish a routine with your dog. Choose certain times to take your pup outside to use the bathroom. It could be when they wake up in the morning, after eating or drinking, or before bedtime. Keep in mind that smaller, younger pups will need to go more often. It is a good idea to take your dog out every couple of hours, and immediately after they eat or drink.
Using Lots of Praise
When you praise your puppy every time it uses the bathroom outdoors, they will learn quickly that they are doing something that makes you happy. Then, they will continue to go outdoors. If they don’t pee or poo, simply wait and say nothing until they do. Don’t punish them! This just makes them better at hiding accidents.
Rely on Pee Pads Less and Less
As your dog learns to relieve itself outside, you may limit the use of pee pads within your household. Dogs navigate the world relying on their sense of smell, and if they smell urine on a pee pad, they’ll associate that with a place to defecate. In addition to limiting pee pads as training progresses, be sure to promptly clean up accidents as they happen. It’s a similar principle; you don’t want your dog associating the inside of your house as a place to pee and poop. You want it to remain an outdoor activity.
How Long Does Housebreaking a Puppy Take?
You may wonder how long it will take to potty train your new pup. This is not an easy question to answer, as it really all depends on the dog. Some pick it up immediately, while it can take longer for others.
In most cases, it can take anywhere from four to six months to fully house train a puppy. Some experts may even tell you it can take a full year to complete the process. Remember: it’s not about how long it takes, but how well the training works. Always keep a few puppy pads around, just in case.
Breed can also influence how long it will take to house train a puppy. For example, Afghan Hounds (one of the least intelligent dog breeds) are so independent, they don’t take to training well. Other dogs, such as Dachshunds, are very willful and stubborn, so they need extra patience during the potty-training phase.
Understand When Your Dog Needs to Relieve Itself
It isn’t difficult to tell when a dog must use the bathroom. The more you watch your puppy, the more you will learn about their habits, and recognize the signs to look for to avoid accidents.
Here are some more signs to be aware of:
- Spinning around and around
- Sniffing behind furniture
- Whining
- Being very fidgety
- Pacing
Speaking of accidents, they do happen, so be prepared. As noted, don’t punish your puppy for making mistakes. When you do notice any of the above signs, encourage your pup to go in the crate, outdoors, or on puppy pads, whichever training method you are using.
Potty Training Your Dog Takes Time and Patience
You won’t train your dog to pee and poop outside overnight, even if you have a very intelligent dog, like a Border Collie. Your furry friend needs time, patience, and positive reinforcement to learn a new behavior. Don’t view housebreaking as a chore, but rather, an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your pet.
