Potty training

Whether you are training a new puppy or an older dog who didn’t quite grasp potty training the first time around, it is important to set them up for success. A very young puppy shouldn’t have to hold it longer than a few hours at a time, his body is just not ready for it and although an adult can hold it longer you still want to stay ahead of him to avoid any accidents.

When an accident occurs at any point during training just clean it up with an enzyme based solution to get rid of the smell completely. If the smell is not removed completely, your pup will continue to recognize the spot as an okay place to go. It will do no good to reprimand your dog for an accident. Creating anxiety can lead to behavioral problems that you don’t need.

Begin by selecting the appropriate place for your dog to go potty. Keep in mind that out door areas are full of scents and interesting things that may distract a pup from the business at hand so it might take some getting used to.

When using newspaper or wee wee pads to train your dog, choose either a laundry room or bathroom that you can close off and can easily clean. Begin by covering the entire area with newspaper so that wherever your dog goes he will be doing it right. Over a few days reduce the area until you have a small spot.

Give him enough time to sniff around and find a spot, but keep it short so he doesn’t think he is out for entertainment or that the pad is for him to play with. When he does go, say “go potty” in a nice upbeat voice. Allow him to finish and as soon as he’s done give him lots of praise and maybe even a treat. If he doesn’t go potty, go back to your life and try again after an hour or so.

After a successful go, he should be able to wait about 3 or 4 hours. He will most likely need to go if he’s been playing and running around, after waking up and right after eating.

Until your dog is potty trained, don’t leave him loose or unsupervised in your home. It is better to keep him confined as it’s in your dog’s nature to try and keep his sleeping and eating quarters clean. He will try to hold it as long as he can.

As you and your dog start communicating better, you’ll be able to leave him longer and he may even start letting you know when he needs to go.