Positive Steps to Successful Puppy Potty Training

“If you simply have to have a puppy, you must realize that training is a key component of
proper puppy care. And proper care requires time and effort.”

Once you know how to train a puppy, you will be happier with your new friend. Puppy potty training is a critical first
step. It is most important that you fully understand your puppy's needs and plan a specific training regimen to make their transition into your home peaceful and positive.

Does proper puppy care require doggie diapers?

Would you expect your newborn child to know they need to eliminate in the toilet? Of course not! Just as you would never get angry at a newborn for eliminating in her diaper, you should never be angry at a puppy for eliminating on the carpet. They just do not know better!

Unfortunately, puppy potty training does not involve the use of diapers, hoping that your pup will eventually learn and grow out of them soon. Consequently, it is your job to patiently, lovingly, and consistently train her. Here are some helpful puppy training guidelines for training your pup to eliminate correctly.

Establish Consistent Feeding Times

Feed your puppy the same kind of food at the same time of day every day. Dogs do not need a variety. They eat for sustenance, not pleasure.

Watch your puppy's behavior beginning ten to fifteen minutes after he eats in order to familiarize yourself with his actions. You will notice "triggers" that let you know it is time for your puppy to eliminate. Some people hang a bell near the door
and teach their dog to ring it as they go through the door to eliminate.

Establish a Specific Location for your Puppy to "Go Potty"

For puppy potty training to be effective, you must identify a specific area of the yard or outside area where you expect your puppy to eliminate. DO NOT ALLOW THE PUPPY TO PLAY IN THIS AREA!!! If this area is used only for eliminating, then your puppy will quickly know what is expected of him when he is taken to this area.

While waiting, give your puppy a repetitive word of urging, so that he will have that specific word as a secondary trigger for
what you expect. This will be especially helpful if you need to get your dog to eliminate away from the house while on vacation, at
the park, et cetera. Examples would be "hurry up" or "go potty" or even "pickle sandwich." Anything will work as long as it is consistent. There are three keys to successful puppy potty training. Consistency, consistency and consistency.

Praise Your Puppy for Success

As soon as your puppy eliminates, praise him, give him one small treat, and remove him from the area immediately. If he does not both urinate and defecate within a few minutes of each other, take him inside and immediately put him in a crate. As soon as he begins to get restless, take him out again to complete his duty (or "doody").

Proper Puppy Potty Training Eliminates Late Night Doody

To avoid late night or daytime accidents, keep your puppy in a small confined area such as a crate at least until they are properly trained. Your puppy will not want to soil his living area, so a small, confined area is ideal. It is important that you take the puppy out to eliminate as soon as you wake up or return home.

How to Deal With "Accidents"

IMPORTANT! If your puppy eliminates inside or in an inappropriate spot AND you catch him doing so, simply say "No!" in a firm voice and immediately take him to the proper potty place. If you DO NOT catch him but only find the evidence, the ONLY
appropriate response is to keep your attitude in check and clean it up.

If you attempt to discipline your puppy after he has an accident, and you didn't catch him "in the act," you have to let it go. If you try to mete out punishment by rubbing his nose in it, or spanking him, he will never know why he is being punished. This will only lead to a confused, stressed out puppy.

If You Don't Like Training, Don't Get a Puppy

If you don't want to deal with puppy potty training, you might want to consider an older, more experienced dog. There are many well-trained dogs in this world that would love to have a home.

On the other hand, if you simply have to have a puppy, you must realize that training is a key component of proper puppy care. And proper care requires time and effort. Puppies desire to please, but they need your guidance.

Thankfully, your efforts will be well rewarded. The very fact that you are reading a puppy training article means you are already off to a great start! Be persistent and the joy your puppy adds to your lives will be immeasurable.

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