Potty training a new puppy can be a daunting task for any puppy parent.
But with the right tips and tricks, it can be a smooth and successful process.
Here are some useful tips to get started with potty training your new puppy:
Establish a routine
Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime. This will help them learn to associate going outside with potty time.
Supervise your pup
When your puppy is out of the crate, keep a close eye on them. This will help you catch them in the act if they need to go potty and also prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
Use positive reinforcement
Reward your puppy with treats, praise, and affection when they go potty outside. This will help them understand that going potty in the right place is a good thing.
Crate training
Using a crate can be a useful tool in potty training your puppy. Dogs naturally don’t want to soil where they sleep, so crate training can help them learn to hold it until they are taken outside. If your crate is a large crate, be sure to divide it into a smaller section while the pup is small.
Litter training is an option
If you live in an apartment or don’t have easy access to the outdoors, litter or pad training can be a viable option. To teach our puppies the difference between sleeping area and potty area, I potty train my small puppies with recycled paper pellets in a rabbit litter tray and be sure to reward them when they use it.
Use positive reinforcement
Reward your puppy with treats, praise, and affection when they go potty outside. This will help them understand that going potty in the right place is a good thing.
Don’t punish your puppy
Accidents will happen, and it’s important not to punish your puppy for them. Punishing your puppy can make them scared of you and cause them to hide accidents, making potty training even more difficult.
Be patient
Potty training takes time, so don’t get frustrated if accidents happen. It’s important to remain calm and patient with your furry friend throughout the process.
Clean up accidents properly
If your puppy does have an accident, be sure to clean it up properly to they aren’t encouraged to use the same spot again in the future. Use a pet spray foam designed for carpets, and thoroughly clean and disinfect any other surfaces that have been soiled.
Be Consistent!
If you use the same steps and routine every day, before long your puppy will be able to begin to understand your expectations.