If your dog will be spending any time indoors one of the first things you’ll need to do is to teach your dog potty training. It is best to start training your puppy around 3 to 4 months old since puppies younger than 12 weeks are not physically capable of control themselves yet.
Here are some simple rules to follow when toilet training your pup:
Do watch for bathroom signs. When your puppy starts walking in circles or being coming anxious they may have to go to the bathroom. If you see your dog about to go, take your dog outside to its bathroom spot as quickly as possible.
Do use reward-based positive reinforcement training. Once your dog goes to the bathroom outside make sure to enthusiastically praise your dog and give your pup a treat. Also, try giving a bonus treat when your puppy does either quickly. It is best to stay outside when giving your dog a treat to help associate being outside with going to the bathroom.
Don’t punish your dog if there is an accident. Puppies do not have the ability to know why they are being punished for going to the bathroom inside versus outside.
Do use commands. When taking your puppy to the designated bathroom area use a command like “go potty” to help the dog connect the voice command with the location and action.
Don’t just leave the dog outside by itself. By staying out with the dog, you can make sure to reward the dog immediately after the action, which helps the dog associate the treat with the action.
Do establish a routine. Try to take your dog out every 2 hours for a bathroom break. It’s good to try to take your dog out after it wakes up, before and after meals, and before its bedtime.
Always let your minder know what your dog’s bathroom schedule is and what tips you found that work best for your pup.
