Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy

Pets are cute and faithful companions, but they can also be a lot of work. Whether a very young puppy or an adult dog, one of the first tasks you’ll need to do when adopting a pet is potty training. This stage can often be a daunting experience, so patience and consistency are necessary.

We’ve compiled tips and ideas in this blog for pet parents to consider when potty training a puppy.

What to Know Before Potty Training Your pet

Most dog owners are aware that puppies and dogs have an instinct to keep their living area clean, so they will usually not potty where they sleep or eat. Additionally, puppies have limited bladder control. They will need to go to their potty spot frequently, so it’s essential to establish a regular potty break schedule that works for you.

Essentially, puppies and more mature dogs learn at different rates, so some may need more time than others to become fully trained. Patience will be crucial. 

There are various potty training techniques, so some trial and error may be required along the way to find one that works best for your pet. There is no single method that will work for every dog or puppy. You’ll need to find the potty training method that is suitable for your pet’s individual needs.

Potty training will undoubtedly have its challenges, but over time, you’ll have a well-behaved, potty-trained dog that will make the experience worth it. The experience will reveal a lot about your dog’s characteristics and qualities. 

10 Tips to Potty Training a Puppy

To keep the experience running smoothly, we’ve collected some of our most successful tips to help you potty train your pet.

1. Pick a designated potty spot. Make sure to choose an area that is easily accessible and close to where your pet will spend most of its time. The potty area should be well-lit, so your dog or puppy can see. 
2. Establish a regular schedule. Once you’ve selected a spot, getting your puppy or dog on a potty break schedule will be necessary. Adhering to a schedule means taking them out to the potty area regularly, at least every few hours. If it’s possible, taking your pet out in the mornings, evenings, after naps, and after ingesting meals and liquids are your best bet.
3. Use a bell. One way to train your puppy is to use a bell at the door to signal when they need to go outside. Hang a bell by the door you take them out to potty. Every time you take your pet out, ring the bell and say, “Go potty.” Eventually, your puppy will start to associate the bell ringing with going potty outside. 
4. Utilize crate training. The idea behind crate training is that dogs are naturally clean animals and will not want to soil their sleeping area. Crating your puppy at night will enforce bladder control for a more extended period. Put your dog in a crate with a potty pad or contact paper in the back, and your dog will quickly learn to wait until morning to go potty.
5. Keep track of your puppy’s progress. A potty-training journal can be helpful during the house training process. Write down every time your puppy uses the potty, including the date and time. A journal can help you keep track of your puppy’s potty habits and see patterns that may emerge. 
6. Use puppy pads. Potty pads can be helpful, especially if you live in an apartment or have a small yard. Place the pad in the designated potty spot, and your dog will quickly learn that this is where they should go for potty breaks.
7. Keep your puppy clean. Be sure to wipe your dog’s paws with a wet cloth to remove any traces of urine or feces. Keeping your dog clean will avoid tracking these substances throughout the house.
8. Reward good behavior. Whenever your puppy uses the bathroom successfully, be sure to praise your dog enthusiastically! You can also give your pup a small treat as a potty-training reward. Words of positive reinforcement go a long way for most dogs. 
9. Avoid punishment. Scaring your puppy will only make the potty training process more difficult and traumatic. If an accident occurs indoors, clean it up and move on. Use a cleaner with enzymes to remove the odor so your dog doesn’t return to the spot.
10. Consult a professional. If potty training is a struggle for both you and your dog, it may be helpful to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you identify any challenges and develop plans to address them.

By implementing these ten tips, potty training your pup can be a breeze! Remember to be consistent and use positive reinforcement during the process.

Things to Keep in Mind When You Potty Train a Puppy

Potty training your puppy or adult dog is not for the faint of heart. Losing sleep, destroyed furniture, and wet carpets or rugs are a few things you may encounter when attempting to train your pet.

One important aspect to always remember is to pay attention to your puppy’s needs, which means taking your dog out on a regular potty schedule and maintaining rewards and punishments at regular intervals.

The potty training stage ultimately requires plenty of patience. It takes time, effort, and energy for your dog to understand what’s going on. Don’t get discouraged by accidents and setbacks; they’re bound to happen and will be a learning experience for you and your pup.

We understand how difficult pet training can be, and with it comes the inevitable stains and odors. Contact your local professionals at PuroClean to help you with any pet stain removal needs. Our trained technicians have all the right equipment, tools, and products. We will remove the pet stains from your home with great care. 

The PuroClean RapidDefense™ Program

PuroClean’s RapidDefense™ is the best way to sanitize affected areas. Our deep cleaning system uses only pet- and human-safe cleaners that will effectively target pet messes and leave your home clean. This process utilizes Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered, safe products. 

PuroClean is Available 24/7 for Your Pet Cleaning Needs

If you’re looking to clean your home, don’t hesitate to call PuroClean. We are available 24/7 to assist you with any of your cleaning needs that may have stemmed from potty training your pup. Our team of professionals has extensive experience dealing with various cleaning projects and can help restore your property to its pre-damaged condition. Visit our online office locator or call (800) 775-7876 today to find your local PuroClean office.