Did you know that in the United States, 70% of homes have pets? Showing a new puppy around their new home is a beautiful and exciting experience.
Helpfully, puppies are easy to care for– for the most part. However, one of the most challenging aspects of puppy potty training is teaching them to go outside and not all over your floors.
You want to ensure your pup gets off to a smooth start in their new home, starting with their bathroom habits.
This article looks at a few key ways to teach your pup to go potty outdoors, catering to any skill level.
Contents
1. Setting the Stage for Success
How to potty train a puppy? Setting the stage for successful potty training for your puppy involves preparing for success as much as possible. Take your puppy outside often to start so they learn where it’s ok to do their business.
Avoid getting angry or punishing your puppy for going indoors, as this will only lead to confusion and anxiety. Give clear and consistent commands when taking them outside, and stay vigilant so that you can correct them if they start to wander or become distracted.
2. Breaking Bad Habits
The key is consistently and correctly reinforcing the behaviors you want to encourage. Start by creating a schedule to take your puppy to the designated potty area. This should be done first thing in the morning, after meals, after periods of playtime, after naps, and when arriving home from outings.
3. Establishing a Routine
Establishing a routine is essential for successful puppy potty training. Start by determining the approximate time your puppy can hold their bladder. Generally, puppies should be able to keep their bladder for 1 hour every month of age.
4. It’s All in the Timing
It’s all in the timing when it comes to puppy potty training. To make your life easier, consistently be aware of your puppy’s schedule and behavioral patterns. Watch your puppy to see if they need to go to the potty, and as soon as you notice signs of body language associated with wanting to go to the bathroom, act quickly and take them outside.
5. Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a critical component of successful puppy potty training. To start, provide lots of praise and treats for successfully eliminating outdoors. Also, use a special treat, like pieces of boiled chicken, when introducing your pup to specific potty spots.
6. Be Patient & Consistent with Training
When potty training your puppy, being patient and consistent are two essential tips. Be sure to give your pup plenty of positive reinforcement when they do something you want. With patience and consistency, you and your pup will have a successful potty-training journey!
7. Reward with Praise & Treats
Puppies respond well to treats, particularly when coupled with verbal praise. Give your pup treats as soon as he is done with his business in the right spot, and be specific and enthusiastic in your honor to reinforce the behavior.
If you want to learn how to potty train dogs, check out this page about puppies pooping.
Understanding Puppy Potty Training
Potty training a puppy takes time and patience. However, these puppy potty training tips have shown that following these simple steps can dramatically reduce the time and frustration associated with the process. Taking the time and effort to train your pup correctly will ensure a lifetime of well-behaved companions for you and your family.
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