Potty Training is a process that every new puppy owner must go through, even some older dogs as well. One of the most important foundational elements of potty training is a kennel. The kennel must be sized appropriately, meaning it is big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in, which will prevent the puppy from soiling one side and then moving to the other. It is very important to limit the opportunities for your puppy to have an accident in the house. Kenneling your puppy after not going outside is not for punishment; it will prevent them from coming inside and immediately soiling the house. Now that we have covered the most important foundation of potty training, the kennel, lets look at four very important tips that will get your puppy potty trained in no time.
Regulate Water and Food Intake
Free feeding (having a bowl of food always available) is not a good idea especially when you are trying to potty train. You cannot regulate when they are eating, therefore it makes it difficult for us to know when they typically need to go. This also applies to water, it is very common to leave the water bowl out all day and this is the main reason why peeing in the house is the most common potty training problem. This is why it is best to give water on a schedule as well with the meals and pick up the bowl after each meal to be able to predict when your puppy has to go. Since puppies have small bladders, it is difficult to hold it for an extended period of time therefore it is much better to give food and water on a schedule to figure out when your puppy typically needs to potty.
Always Watch
Always watch your puppy when you are able to. If you can’t then simply put them in their kennel or tether their leash to something by you so you can always keep an eye on them. Puppies should be introduced gradually to extended free time as they mature and begin to be more consistent with their potty training. This will also prevent accidents in the house so that it does not become a regular option for your puppy.
Timing Is Everything
Dogs have 1-2 seconds to associate behaviors with following rewards or consequences. This means that if your puppy went potty in the house without you catching them, you cannot properly correct the behavior. If you keep an eye on them and catch them, you say “No” and immediately take them outside. Make sure to also mark and reward the proper behavior. Once they finish outside, say “yes” and give them lots of pets, treats, or play. This is very important to teach them where they SHOULD go. As owners we tend to focus more on where not to go, however you can be just as successful if you highly reward your dog right after they go outside to make them really love pottying outside.
Potty Breaks Should Be Boring
Try to stay in one spot when you are pottying your puppy outside and keep them on leash. If you allow your puppy to sniff around and play freely, they will get distracted and not focus on pottying. Take your puppy to the same area every time and keep them moving in a limited area until they successfully go.