Potty training is one of the first things you will teach a new puppy. This should start as soon as you take your puppy home, but it requires patience.
Some puppies will quickly learn this, while others will struggle for a while.
In general, puppies cannot control their bladder and bowel until 12 weeks of age. If the puppy is smaller than this, then patience is essential.
If you have an adorable tinny puppy and you are wondering how to go about potty training your little pup. Then this post is especially for you.
During the potty training period, always remember to be patient, stay calm, and stick to the routine. If you stay positive and follow all guidelines, potty training can be a simple process.
How to potty train a puppy outside?
First thing first, you should introduce your puppy to the new home and family. Just as if you were new to a place or group, your new pet might burst with curiosity, excitement, or fear.
Now is the best time to lay the basis for a good and enjoyable relationship with your puppy. It is very important that you set your expectations about your puppy and be consistent with it.
You should restrict a puppy to a specific area, whether that means a crate, room, or leash. As your adorable puppy also knows that he or she needs to go outside to pee and poo, you can gradually give him more liberty to wander around the house.
You should be consistent with the puppy potty training routine. Take your puppy to a specific point at the same time every day and feed your puppy at the same time every day.
You should take away the puppy food between the meals.
You should observe your puppy closely during potty training, so that you can look for first signs (like circling, whining, sniffing or barking), that it needs to go and it helps to avoid accidents.
You should always praise your puppy every time he uses the appropriate area to eliminate. You can appreciate your puppy by giving treats or by using cheerful sounds.
Never punish your puppies for house soiling but you should interrupt the “accidents” by making noises like clap or saying NO.
You should clean the “accident” immediately so that your puppy does not think that this area is available for elimination.
How to potty train a puppy on pads?
As you know your beloved puppy has a tinny bladder, “accidents” can happen. So you can use potty pads inside the house for potty training. You can also use the pads for other reason also such as:
- Cold weather
- Small breed dogs
- You live in an apartment
- Going outside is difficult for you or your dog
Potty training on pads is a suitable option for puppies, or it can be a full-time solution for small breed dogs!
You can follow these steps to potty train your puppy on pads such as:
- You should take your adorable puppy frequently to the potty pads.
- If your adorable puppy has an accident, immediately take her to pad.
Other steps are the same mention above for potty training. Different potty pads option can be used for dogs such as
- Classic potty pads
- Grass mats
- Dog litter box
You should put the potty pad at a relatively confined area, and preferably over some hard floor or inside the bathroom.
How to potty train a puppy when you are at work?
If you are working full time and leaving a puppy alone for approximately 8 hours, then potty training will very difficult for you.
Although it is technically possible for an adult dog to control for so long, the puppy needs frequent potty breaks.
Potty Pad can help you, but your puppy also needs training. So you should get help from dog care centers or trainers.
How to potty train a puppy in an apartment?
If you are living in the apartment with your beloved puppy then potty training is a bit more complicated.
You can’t install a dog door or let your furry partner go outside while living in the apartment.The key to successful house training is to start early and be consistent.
- Place your puppy on a regular feeding schedule so you can predict when your puppy will need to go out.
- Give a reward to your puppy every time he or she demonstrates good behavior.
- Observe the puppy behavior; your puppy will run to the door and wag its tail.
- You can use a potty pad for puppies due to their frequent potty breaks.
How to potty train a dog in 7 days?
The good news is that you can usually train a dog in seven days but puppies and small dogs have small bladders so they need more time.
These simple steps can potty train your dog in 7 days
- Observe your dog or puppy at all times while potty training.
- Take your dog out frequently, for example after eating, drinking, playing, or sleeping and regular intervals.
- Praise your dog for going outside and eliminating
- Never punish during potty training.
- Establish a consistent feeding schedule and choose the same spot every time.
Can an 8-week old puppy be potty trained?
The ideal time to start the potty training is 12 to 16 weeks. 8-week puppy is too small for potty training but you can start the training.
Your 8-week puppy should be given a chance to go out every 20 minutes if you do not want to increase the chances of eliminating inside rather than outside.
You must designate the specific place, a constant schedule and praise your puppy for his good behavior.
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
Most puppies take 4 to 6 months to complete the potty training.
All you need is consistency, tolerance and positive reinforcement for puppy potty training. The goal is to impart good habits and build a bond of love with your adorable puppy.