You've brought home a sweet, tiny new puppy—and in your excitement, you forgot all about its sweet, tiny bladder and sweet, tiny bowels. Now you have a mess on your hands and no plan for how to avoid future accidents.
It's time to learn how to potty train a puppy!
Luckily, puppies live to please, and with a little positive reinforcement, they'll be going on the grass in no time. With the right tools and support, you can train your new friend in as little as a week!
Read on to learn our top potty training tips for new dog owners.
Stock Up on Supplies
When you think of potty training a new puppy, you probably don't think about "supplies." In fact, a few handy sanitation and training tools can make all the difference.Be sure to secure the following before you begin:
- A leash and harness or collar
- Wee-wee pads
- Treats your puppy loves
- Carpet or floor cleaner (just in case)
- Waste disposal bags
You might only need the wee-wee pads for a short time. You'll use everything else continuously. Choose high-quality products to make the most out of your purchase.
A Slow Start
Initially, plan to take your puppy out every thirty minutes, ideally on a leash. You should supervise them consistently. Stand in an area where you're willing to allow your puppy to potty and give them five minutes to go.If they are successful, offer immediate praise, including a treat. You want to give them positive reinforcement so they will associate going potty outside with positivity. If possible, immediately follow up with a fun activity for added positive reinforcement.
If your puppy doesn't go within five minutes, bring them to a confined area with wee-wee pads set up. Repeat the process until they are successful.
If you are consistent with praise and the routine, your pet care will pay off—most pet owners report their puppy is fully potty trained within a week!
Other Puppy Care Tips for Potty Training
If you're new to puppy care, your new friend's bathroom habits might seem random or unpredictable. In fact, a puppy is more likely to need to go at a few specific times. They are:- Shortly after drinking or eating
- Five to ten minutes after playtime
- Right after waking from a nap
You can keep their schedule consistent by ensuring you keep to a standard feeding schedule. Start keeping track of when your puppy goes and look for patterns or trends. Pretty soon, you'll get your routine down to a science, preventing accidents for good!
Furthermore, if your puppy does have an accident in the house, clean the area thoroughly. If not, your puppy will associate the scent with the restroom and begin going there intentionally. That's why great cleaning products are an essential potty training tool!
If you still have issues, click here for more on dogs and pooping.
How to Potty Train a Puppy in a Week
Potty training a puppy can be tedious and time-consuming, but it always pays off in the end. Remember that your furry new friend is a baby, and try to have patience. Time goes faster than you think, and a few intense days will seem like nothing in the long run.If you follow the steps above, you'll be able to brag that you know how to potty train a puppy in a week! What else can you accomplish if you put your mind to it? Check out the rest of the blog for more tutorials that yield adorable results!
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