How-To Potty Train Your Puppy Dog

Potty training your puppy can either be easy or difficult...the difference is in how much time and dedication you are willing to put into training. Follow these simple tips to get your puppy on the right path to accident free living.

Set a schedule:

Decide on a schedule and stick to it. Writing it down will be helpful. In a family situation where many different people are taking care of Fido, post the schedule where everyone can see it. As a puppy, Spot will require more walks than as an adult. Keep this in mind when you design a schedule. For example, you may need to walk Fido twice in the morning when he is a puppy, but as he gets older, you can eliminate one walk.

The initial schedule should follow some rules. Puppy should go out first thing in the morning when she first comes home. Do not give her a chance to make a mess inside the house when she realizes her bladder is full from sleeping through the night.

Potty breaks are also necessary after eating, naptime, and playtime. By limiting the amount of time your puppy has to go without a bathroom break, the less chance of accidents in the house. Many dog owners plan to be home the first week or so when a new puppy comes home. This not only helps potty training, but helps to acclimate your puppy to their new home.

Always go in one place and remember why you are there:

Bring your pooch to the same place outside, each time you want him or her to "take care of business." Do not let your puppy play with, sniff, or explore anything else outside until they have gone potty. This sends a clear message to your pooch. You are saying "when we go outside, business comes first and this is where you do it."

By going to the same place every time, Fido will soon understand why you are outside and not require repeated commands. It is important to teach him or her that business comes first and then play. Otherwise, you could be outside until Fido is ready to go make sure he or she goes whey YOU are ready. Puppies need structure and going to the potty at the same time and in the same place is a great start.

Reward immediately:

As soon as Spot does his business, have a treat already in your hands to turn over to your dog. Do not hesitate in giving a treat. If you wait until later, or after you return indoors, it will not be clear why you are giving a treat. A treat given as soon as a puppy goes potty will reinforce the message about going potty outside.

Give lots of praise to your pooch when you give the treat. While your dog will not understand the words "Good Boy!" or "Good Girl!" they will understand the tone of voice you use to praise them.

A few other tips:

It is a good idea to use a crate when you are not home, this will keep accidents from happening in undiscovered places in the home (like your new white carpeting in the master bedroom). Dogs will also try not to go potty where they sleep, the crate will reinforce the outside routine.

Even when following a routine, there may be days when your puppy will have to go longer than usual without a bathroom break. Try and find someone to let your puppy out for a quick break (as close to his or her normal schedule as possible). Consider hiring a pet walker for days when you will be away for long periods of time. This will help reinforce potty training and give puppy some much needed play time. Remember, a puppy's bladder is much smaller than an adult dog's bladder. While an adult dog can go all day without a bathroom break, a puppy, no matter how well potty training is coming along, cannot hold much in his bladder.

If your puppy strains when he does urinate, or is urinating in small amounts several times in a short period of time, it might require a visit to the vet. Puppies and dogs get bladder infections just like humans. Because no dog can raise his paw and tell you what the problem is, it is important to pay attention to signs of trouble. Odd colored urine, straining, small and frequent amounts and fever are all good indications that it is time to call the vet.

Accidents will happen when you first get your puppy, so be prepared. Yelling at a young dog who does not understand the entire potty process will only make him frustrated and confused by the yelling. Take your puppy outside as soon as the accident is discovered and see if there is anything else needing attention. Remember the schedule, the place and praise!

These are the three most important aspects of potty training. Using schedules, a designated potty spot and a timely reward system will help prepare Fido for an accident free future. Make sure the whole family is on board and knows the plan. Routine and dedication are key to making potty training a success in no time at all!