Ideally, puppies will learn to hold their urine indoors and defecate only in certain spots outdoors. But in some cases, this may not be possible, such as a person who works outside the home, who may not be able to go home several times a day, or who lives in an apartment during the harsh winter months. A stool mat or indoor bedpan gives the dog the option to defecate in a fixed place in the home.
Be Patient
It’s easy to get frustrated with your new puppy when potty training is taking longer than you expected. But it’s essential to be patient during this process. Remember, potty training takes time. Don’t expect more from your puppy than he is able to deliver. The following points will help you keep your cool:
- Decide if you will be using disposable or reusable puppy pads
- Consider an indoor “litterbox-type” dog bathroom
- A puppy can’t control his bladder until he is 16 weeks old. So as much as you might like him to wait, he simply can’t.
- A puppy can only hold his bladder as long as his age in months plus one hour. So, a four-month-old puppy can only hold it for five hours. That includes during the night as well.
- Every breedis different. For example, a toy breed might need more frequent potty breaks due to a fast metabolism and tiny bladder.
- Every puppy is different, even within breeds. Your first puppy might have been potty trained in a few weeks, but your next one might need months.
Supervise at All Times
It’s important to watch your puppy at all times for safety, but this is also the key to successful potty training. You can’t prevent accidents if you don’t have your eyes on the dog. Here are some tips to help with supervision:
- Take your puppy to the potty pad or indoor bathroom How often will depend on his age and bladder strength. For very young puppies, it could be as often as every 15 minutes. Better a wasted trip than an accident.
- Set a timer if you’re having trouble remembering when to take your puppy to his pad.
- Watch your puppy for telltale signs he has to go such as sniffing the ground, circling, or whining. When you see those signs, take him straight to the potty pad.
- Use a long leash if you are having trouble keeping your puppy in sight. Tie the leash to heavy furniture or around your waist to limit your puppy’s movements.
- Put your puppy in a crateor a safe area whenever you can’t supervise him.
Supervise at All Times
It’s important to watch your puppy at all times for safety, but this is also the key to successful potty training. You can’t prevent accidents if you don’t have your eyes on the dog. Here are some tips to help with supervision:
- Take your puppy to the potty pad or indoor bathroom How often will depend on his age and bladder strength. For very young puppies, it could be as often as every 15 minutes. Better a wasted trip than an accident.
- Set a timer if you’re having trouble remembering when to take your puppy to his pad.
- Watch your puppy for telltale signs he has to go such as sniffing the ground, circling, or whining. When you see those signs, take him straight to the potty pad.
- Use a long leash if you are having trouble keeping your puppy in sight. Tie the leash to heavy furniture or around your waist to limit your puppy’s movements.
- Put your puppy in a crateor a safe area whenever you can’t supervise him.
Reward With Praise and Treats
Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarding and doing their business in the right spot is no different. If you reward your puppy with praise and treats whenever he uses his potty pad, he will be more likely to use it again in the future. Keep the following in mind when rewarding your puppy:
- Reward your puppy immediately after he does his business. Don’t wait to get the treats out of the cupboard. Have them ready to go in the moment.
- Keep a bowl or bag of treats beside the potty area so you are always prepared.
- Use a leash if your puppy is easily distracted. Walk him to the potty pad on a leash and only unclip him after he’s done his business. The freedom to play will be a bonus reward.
