Welcoming a new puppy into your home has its up and downs. By following these simple steps to potty training, you can eliminate one of those downs. Potty training your puppy isn't as hard as it seems. It can be as fun as you make it, and the end result is well worth the work. Enjoy your new puppies, for they are only puppies for a while.
Bonding
Look at potty training as a bonding experience between you and your puppy. If you look at it as a negative, the joy of success will be overshadowed by the occasional accidents.
Easily Cleaned Area
Keep your puppy in an easily cleaned area. Tiled floors work best for this. If this isn't an option, invest in some puppy pee pads and place two or three on the floor in a designated area. This is where your puppy will spend the majority of her time, and the pads will give her something to aim for rather than messing up the carpet or wood floors.
Routine for Feeding
Puppies should be feed no more than 4 hours before bedtime, and water should be taken away at least 2 hours before bedtime to avoid accidents at night. Feed at the same time every day, even if it means rearranging your own schedule.
Potty Time
Rule of thumb is that a puppy can "hold it" for as many hours as she is months old. So if you have a 3-month-old pup, she will need to go out every 3 hours. This includes nighttime as well, so be prepared
Go Outside
Go outside with your puppy. If you push him out the door and wait at the window for him to do his business, nothing will get done. Go outside with your puppy and walk around the yard with him. Encourage him to "go potty." Do not play with him until he succeeds, then play time or a treat can be given as a reward.
Night Kenneling
Consider investing in a crate for your pup to sleep in during the night. This will keep her from messing on the floor if you don't wake up in time; however, make sure you take her outside immediately in the morning or she will squat at the first opportunity.
Positive Reinforcement
Be positive! Yelling at your pup for accidents does no good. Always use positive reinforcement. Yes, this includes bribes of treats!
Patience
Be patient. Potty training does not happen overnight. It is a time-consuming process, but the rewards you will reap in the end with a housebroke older dog will make up for the energy you invested in the beginning.
