One of the most frustrating elements of acquiring a new puppy is preparing for potty training. To assist with this nagging issue, we've outlined a few of our favorite potty training techniques. The three key components to successful potty training with a new puppy are: Be Prepared, Be Consistent and Be Patient.
Be Prepared
Establish a "Potty command"
This is the phrase you'll use whenever you'd like your puppy to do his business. When taking your puppy to the designated spot where you want him to eliminate, you should stand with him and tell him "Go potty" or whatever phrase you've established as your "potty command". Having one phrase you use repeatedly will help your puppy understand what it is you are asking him to do. Important tip: make sure everyone in the family is using the same phrase (this is very important so the puppy does not become confused).
Establish an "Elimination spot"
Choose a location not too far from your door to be the designated "elimination spot". You can create a spot by outlining an 8x10 area with a clothesline. This will help to give your puppy a visual clue where you'd like him to go. Always take your puppy to the same area and give him his "potty command".
Choose a "Praise" phrase
The easiest way to teach your puppy good manners is to wait until he does something you like and reward him with kind words and a treat. Choose a "praise" phrase to use whenever your puppy is behaving in a way you like; such as, playing with a toy, greeting visitors nicely, lying quietly or eliminating outside. The phrase can be something as simple as "Good Boy" or "Nice job, Duke." Your puppy will very quickly associate the "praise" phrase with a positive experience and want to please you. Again, make sure everyone caring for the puppy is using the same phrase.
Select a "Confinement" Area
If your puppy is not reliable in the house, don't leave him unattended. Whenever you cannot supervise your puppy, he should be confined to an area small enough he won't want to eliminate there. It should be just big enough for him to comfortably stand, lie down and turn around in. This area could be a portion of a laundry room or bathroom blocked off by baby gates or a dog crate or kennel. Remember to immediately take your puppy outside to potty after spending extended time in his "confinement" area.
Be consistent
Be aware that young puppies physically need to eliminate every 2-4 hours. Establishing a consistent routine for your puppy is critical. Initially, you should take the puppy outside at least every 2 hours, immediately after he wakes from his nap or is released from his confinement area and about hour after eating. As you get to know your puppy better you'll recognize the signs your pup needs to relieve himself and can reduce the number of trips necessary. When your pup is playing in the house, keep a close eye on him. If he starts to sniff around or turn in circles - pick him up and carry him to the spot where you'd like him to eliminate, give him the "potty command" and stay with him until he relieves himself. Once he does, immediately congratulate him with his "praise" phrase and a tasty teat. Don't wait until you've returned to the house. Immediate gratification reassures the puppy this is the behavior you want from him. If you aren't able to attend to your puppy every 2-4 hours, enlist in the help of a local pet sitter. He/she can help visit your pup whenever you are not available and decrease the time it may take to get your new pup potty trained.
Be Patient
If your puppy does have an accident, don't punish him or rub his nose in the waste, doing so will only make the pup afraid to eliminate in your presence. Your puppy didn't make a mistake -you did! Remember, when your puppy is not confined, you should be supervising him. If you catch him in the act, carry him outside immediately and give the "potty command". If he finishes outside, praise and treat him as you normally would. If you discover an accident after the fact, do nothing except clean the spot with a good enzymatic cleaner so it isn't labeled as a "potty place" and supervise your puppy more closely.
If you make all the necessary preparations, remain consistent with your training techniques and stay patient with your pup -he should be potty trained in no time!
