6 Easy and Effective Puppy Potty Training Tips

February 05, 2019

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. 

Lots of people think that potty training your puppy is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best tips and tricks for potty training your puppy, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want them to go.

Take a look at our top tips for potty training your new puppy - all tried and tested by real pet owners.

 

1. Know when to start toilet training your puppy 

The most effective way to potty train a puppy is by making sure you get your timing right. Although dogs can be toilet trained at any age, the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. 

If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long they will get the right idea of where to do their business. 

You can find more here on how to have the best start with your puppy as soon as you bring them home.

 

2. Use a crate to help house train your puppy more quickly

A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps them confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they eliminate their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.

Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that they will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it.

Some dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having their own space where they can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. 

Make your dog’s crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while they are in there, offer them some treats. 

Place a favorite toy in there with them, and add blankets to create a cozy den they can escape to whenever they feel the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep them out of trouble and have a positive effect beyond housetraining too.

 

3. Keep your eyes peeled and follow your puppy's cues

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting them properly housetrained. 

Whenever you see that they are sniffing, circling, or beginning to squat, immediately take them outside to the place where you want them to go and see if they eliminate. If they do, give them lots of praise.

A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want them to do. When they are going to the bathroom, repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. 

Make sure you spend time petting them and making sure they know you are very pleased with them.

It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens than risk an accident happening, so if in doubt, take your puppy out.

 

4. Have a clear and consistent schedule

Feeding, watering, and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. 

Try and take your dog out around the same time every day so they will be able to adjust their bodily functions to fit the routine. 

The first thing you should do in the morning is to take the puppy out of the crate. Without letting their feet touch the ground, bring them to the place where you want them to go, give the cue, and follow up with lots of praise once they have finished. 

Take your puppy out at least every two hours, especially after play or eating and drinking. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do their business.

 

5. Don't let your puppy roam unsupervised

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure-fire way to have accidents. 

If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. 

It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when they have the run of the house, but if you gate them in the kitchen or another central location within your home, they will still be able to be part of your family life and can be better supervised in case of an accident.

 

6. Don't get discouraged when trying to toilet train your puppy.

There will be times when you first begin house training where it will seem that your pup is just not getting it. They may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. 

There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to their outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. 

Another good idea is to use the same door every time when you are taking them out so that when they have to go, they will scratch on the door to be let out. 

Once this happens, you can breathe a sigh of relief and know that your puppy is truly beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no. Well done!

 

We hope you find our advice on the best way to potty train your puppy helpful. For more helpful tips and tricks, check out this article on the best way to toilet train a puppy. 

At DakPets, we’re wishing you the best of luck with your puppy toilet training!

For all your new puppy’s grooming needs and more, make sure to explore our full range of dog care products.

 

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