Puppy Potty Training 101

There are many different methods of potty training your puppy. Some of those ways you may already be familiar with. Others may be a bit more unique and even unheard of techniques. Here's a look at some different puppy potty training strategies.

Here are a few unique ideas for puppy potty training. They can be used individually or as a companion with other techniques.

1.Crate Training:

Use a crate while potty training your puppy. Your puppy should be in the crate while you are at work, sleeping, or anytime you are not able to watch it. Make the crate a happy place, not a punishment. You may have to let the pup outside during the night and during your lunch break during the day.

2.Tether to you while inside:

When you are at home, consider using a long lead to tether the puppy to you. This way the puppy can't sneak off and relieve her/himself in the house and you'll know when to let him/her out.

3.Keep a potty journal:

Keep track of how quickly food moves through the puppy. This will help you gauge how quickly to get the little puppy out the door following meals.

Here is the standard method of puppy potty training. It has been proven to work well with almost any puppy.

1.Scheduling:

You must create a schedule that is easy for you to maintain. If you can't do it, how do you expect your dog to manage? Schedule your dog's feeding times, bed and wake-up times. Stick to these times as much as possible. Your puppy will probably need to go outside after each nap, when s/he wakes up in the morning and just before bed time. S/he may also need to go out after s/he's been badly scared or after a rowdy play session.

2.Supervise:

If you know where your dog is at all times and what s/he is doing, you can avoid messes. If you see your puppy start looking around for a "spot," you'll know that s/he needs to go out. Observe your dog so that you will quickly learn the difference between exploring his/her home and looking for a toilet area.

3.Taking your puppy out:

When you take your dog out to the designated area, stand quietly so that s/he can find the right spot. Reserve your praise for after your puppy is done. Use a chosen word or phrase to offer praise. Even if the weather is bad, do not let your dog know that you don't want to be going out. You must teach your dog that s/he must go outside, no matter what the weather is.

4.What to do when you're not around:

If you're going to be leaving the house for a few hours during the day, put your puppy in his/her kennel or a small room (bathroom) with newspapers to catch any messes. Be sure that if you put your pup in a room, all chewable items have been removed. Don't leave food and water with the puppy while you're gone and try to schedule your puppy's previous meal at least 2 hours before your departure time. That way your pup can digest and go out before you leave.

5.Catching your pup "in the act:"

If you do catch your dog in the act, firmly say "no." Then bring the dog outside to the toilet area. Praise your pup as s/he relieves her/himself outside. Be sure that when you clean up the inside mess you use a deodorizing or odor killing cleanser, otherwise, s/he'll be more likely to use the area again.

More Learn About Dogs

« Effective Puppy Potty Training Techniques | Only Dog Beds | Is Your Dog A Biter? »