How to Potty Train Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

Is potty-training your new puppy proving to be a challenge?

Don’t worry! We can help!

We know how stressful the process of potty training puppies can be. We wrote this guide to help you teach your puppy when and where it is okay to go potty.

Our guide will help you learn how to make your dog behave better. You can give them rewards when they do something good and help correct unwanted behavior.

Keep reading to discover all the secrets of how to potty-train puppies!

How You Need to Act

Potty-training puppies can be a challenging process. With the right expectations and patience, it’s possible to teach your pup where and when it is appropriate to go.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic goals for yourself and your puppy will help you stay positive. You need to understand that accidents are inevitable at times. All dogs have individual personalities and learning styles.

Be Patient and Encouraging

Be prepared to provide lots of encouragement, praise, treats, or toys each time your puppy does something right. It will help them understand what behavior you expect from them. Having patience during this process will go a long way in helping you reach success!

Choosing the Right Time to Start Potty Training

The ideal age to start potty training is between 12 and 16 weeks old. Puppies have better control over their bladder and bowel movements by this time.

Recognize Signs of Readiness

Look out for signs that your puppy is ready to go. If your puppy starts to sniff and walk around in circles, take them to their designated spot. This means that they need to go!

Set a Feeding Schedule

Create a consistent puppy feeding schedule. This will help determine when your puppy needs to go outside.

Once you know the approximate time, planning breaks for puppies will be easier. Then your pup can learn how and when to go on their own.

Potty-Training Methods

Several effective potty-training methods include crate training, schedule-based training, and reward-based training. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your pup.

Crate Training

Crate training is a great way to potty-train puppies and encourage good habits from a young age. If done well, crate training can also help keep your pup safe if you’re away from home or need to take them out of the house.

When placing your puppy in their crate, use a large enough crate and comfortable bedding. You should never use crate training for punishment or extended periods. Four to five hours is generally the longest time a healthy puppy can stay in its crate.

Keep a Routine

In this approach, you’ll take your puppy outside to the same spot each time they need to go. With consistent scheduling, your pup will have an easier time understanding when and where it’s appropriate to go.

Sticking to a routine and taking your pup out at the same time every day will help them know when it’s time to go. With a routine, they can learn faster and expect (and even look forward to) their breaks.

Rewards-Based Training

If your puppy does something you want, give them positive reinforcement. This will help reinforce the behavior you want from your pup and make potty training easier.

Using Indoor Grass

Indoor grass is a convenient and practical option for potty-training puppies. It mimics the sensation of natural grass, making it easier for pups to transition to outdoor areas.

Indoor grass is:

• Easy and convenient to use
• Keeps your pup from going indoors
• Absorbent and hygienic
• Safe for indoor spaces

To use indoor grass, place it in a designated area and always bring your puppy to it when it’s time to go. Be consistent with cleaning to ensure hygiene and prevent odors. Learn more about indoor grass and research which options are best for your home.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Some common challenges may arise during this process. It is wise to set realistic expectations and plan for any potential obstacles.

Expect Accidents

Accidents and setbacks are common during potty training. Stay patient and consistent, and never punish your puppy for accidents.

Clean Up Accidents Immediately

If an accident does occur, clean it up right away. Leaving it there can confuse the pup and encourage future accidents. Use a pet enzyme cleaner to remove any scent and discourage your puppy from returning to the same spot.

Other Pets in the Home

If you have other pets in your home, make sure they are not distracting your puppy while they are potty training. It is best to separate them during this process.

Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell. If your puppy can smell where another pet has gone to the bathroom, it may also be more likely to go there. If your other pets are well-trained, you can use them as examples to help your puppy learn.

Submissive Urination

If your puppy urinates when scared, it is likely due to submissive urination.

Submissive urination is a behavior seen in many puppies, particularly those under six months old. It occurs when the pup feels scared or intimidated by something, such as the presence of an unfamiliar person or an overly energetic pet. 

To tackle this issue, use positive reinforcement and lots of patience to help your puppy gain confidence.

Excited Urination

Your puppy might urinate when excited. Try to avoid situations that cause them to become overstimulated.

Provide ample bathroom breaks and be consistent! Use positive reinforcement to reward them when they don’t urinate.

Consistent Setbacks

If your pup still needs help learning where to go, consider professional help from a dog trainer. A dog trainer can provide valuable tips and guidance to help you potty-train your puppy.

How to Potty Train Puppies: Wrapping Up

Potty training requires persistence and patience, resulting in a well-trained, happy pup. Following these tips can make potty training more straightforward and less stressful!

Potty training puppies can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With a little bit of effort on your part, you will be able to potty-train puppies in no time.

Celebrate your puppy’s successes and enjoy the bond of working together toward a common goal. Good luck, and have fun!