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Potty training should begin as soon as a puppy or adult dog is brought home, says Reynolds. But, in the case of a puppy, don’t expect a lot of progress until they’re 12 to 16 weeks old. Before this age, puppies don’t have the physical ability to hold their pee and poop for extended periods.
Look out for signs your dog needs to go
Dr. Burch says the use of puppy pads and paper training can be tricky. “You’re reinforcing two different options for the puppy,” she explains. In an ideal situation, puppies would learn to hold it indoors and only eliminate at specific spots outdoors.
Think about water access too
Set up a daily schedule where you walk your dog on leash to the desired elimination spot after meals, after naps, and every couple of hours in between. To reinforce that the trip has a purpose, you should not play with the dog during trips to eliminate. Use a word or phrase (such as “do your business”) to remind the dog of their duty. As soon as the dog has peed or pooped, praise and/or treat them. House training may be an easier process for older dogs than it is for puppies.
Clean Accidents Thoroughly
For ten years Gemma loved being surrounded by all things canine 24/7 whilst she ran a specialist doggy shop. The shop was a great community hub and, along with working closely with local rescues, Gemma provided customer support relating to canine behaviour and nutrition. It was a passion project and one that Gemma felt privileged to have created. She is also studying towards an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour and is a huge advocate of dog rescue and promoting scientific methods of dog training. The more you do this, the more they are likely to go when on walks. We always recommend allowing an hour or so after eating a meal before exercising your dog to avoid the risk of tummy upsets or even twisted gut (bloat).
If the puppy has to be on a lead, try to use a long line or a flexi lead as the puppy are less likely to want to go when restricted on a short lead. If you find the results of an accident after it’s happened, again do not punish the dog. Punishment could make the dog afraid to eliminate in your presence. It’s more effective to clean up the mess and put it in the designated elimination spot, so the smell will help your dog recognize that this is where to go. Perhaps you turned your back on your puppy for a few minutes and then found evidence of the elimination after the fact. The only fair thing to do is calmly and quietly clean the area and resolve to better supervise your puppy in the future.
Having used this before, we can confirm that this is a tried and tested formula. Your dog should consider this space a safe place, so add the dog’s bed, water, and things to chew on to create a comfortable den. To keep this space safe, make sure nothing that would cause discomfort happens here and keep children out of this area.
Reward Your Puppy for Successful Potty Visits
Then, when you can’t supervise your puppy, you can keep your potty training on track by giving your puppy some crate time. You can start potty training a puppy when they are about 8 weeks old (ideally, they’re with their mother at least until 8 weeks of age, if not longer). Ideally, you’ll start potty training when they’re anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks old. Young puppies have small bowels and bladders, and they don’t have full control over their bladder until about 5 months. You can certainly start potty training as soon as you get an older puppy or dog, it may take longer for the lessons to stick if they’ve had a lot of time to develop bad habits.
Don’t forget that, when you first take your new puppy home they don’t know that they are not allowed to go wherever they like. Once your puppy has gone 8–12 weeks without mistakes, they are probably ready for more freedom. This sounds like a long time, but puppies are babies, and they need constant supervision for success in house training, manners, safety from chewing or ingesting dangerous items, and so much more. Try to notice the behaviors that your dog exhibits just before eliminating.
“They’re Soiling Their Crate!”
Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your puppy (on a leash) to that spot. While your puppy is relieving themselves, use a specific word or phrase that you can eventually use before they go to remind them what to do. Take them out for a longer walk or some playtime only after they have eliminated.
Never rub a dog’s nose in an elimination, and never strike your puppy. Punishing your puppy for a natural act can make them think they should never toilet near a person. People who are not consistent will find that their puppy takes longer to train because the dog is not getting the same message every time they eliminate.
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If you let your dog lose control in their crate, they’ll get the idea that it’s OK to mess up their living space. Then they’ll think nothing of leaving little packages around where you live, too. Dogs are den animals and will seek out a little canine cave for security whether you provide one or not.
House-training is an important part of caring for a puppy. With some basic knowledge of how to train your puppy, they’ll master it in no time. Remember, if there are accidents indoors, do not punish your puppy. If you catch them in the act, you can make a noise or say “uh-oh” to get their attention, and they will likely stop. Immediately, gently pick up your puppy, take them outside, and praise them heartily when they finish up. Always be sure to sanitize soiled indoor areas with appropriate pet stain cleaning products, so the pup isn’t drawn to the same spot again.
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