Puppy Potty Training: Tips and Tricks for Stressed Out Newbies

Potty training a puppy can be one of the toughest, most frustrating endeavors in the journey of dog ownership. This transition can be even more difficult if your pup comes from a puppy mill or other less than ideal conditions.

Fortunately, All Star Puppies is committed to working with the American Kennel Club and other associations to ensure your pup has been raised in a comfortable, friendly and social environment, making their transition into your home even smoother.

How long does it take to potty train a puppy?

Remember that every puppy is different, and it’s important to start training immediately upon adoption. Some may take to new training in a few days, while others may take several months to adjust. That’s why our first puppy potty training tip is:

1. Be patient with your pup

Remember that a puppy is a baby – they don’t know any better and need your help to learn! It’s easy to want to give up when things get discouraging, but if you keep consistent in your methods, your puppy will learn in time.

How often should I take my puppy out?

Puppies are active and need to eat and drink more often than older dogs. Our next puppy potty training tips are:

2. Take Your Puppy Out Often

Puppies should be taken outside to do their business after eating, drinking, napping, chewing a toy or bone, playing, first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. If this list seems overwhelming, we understand! On average, you’ll want to take your puppy outside every 45-60 minutes.

3. Maintain Consistency

If you can, maintain a consistent schedule with your pup so they can begin to learn when they will be able to go next. If you can’t find a routine that seems to work with your little rascal, keeping a journal of when they go may help you notice a pattern and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Puppies need constant supervision to avoid messes in the house, which can be exhausting. But don’t give up! Your hard work and vigilance will pay off.

What is the best way to potty train?

4. Create a reward system

Leading experts agree that positive reinforcement is the best long-term puppy potty training method. Puppies respond well to rewards, so when your puppy goes outside, really overdo the praises. Make them think this is the single greatest thing they have ever done in their lives.

You can clap, dance, cheer, give them treats, pet and play with them to their heart’s content!

5. Avoid negative reinforcement

Negative reinforcement is not recommended by the AKC, as it typically only confuses or discourages your precious little pup. Old methods like rubbing their nose in their mess are also not suggested.

Instead, when your puppy does have an accident in the house, it is best to simply clean up the mess and make no fuss about it. This will let your puppy know that going outside will get them plenty of attention, while going inside will get them no attention.

Other Helpful Hints:

• Control the diet – try feeding your pup three or four small meals a day instead of many times throughout the day.
• Get rid of past odors – do your best to remove all traces of odors from previous accidents in the house. Any leftover scent may make your pup think that spot is a good place to do their business regularly.
• If possible, avoid puppy pads – Puppy pads can be helpful for those who can’t be home at all times to watch the pup, but it reinforces the message that it’s okay for them to go indoors. However, sometimes puppy pads can be used until the dog matures and can be trained to go outside all the time.

And that’s it! Just like humans, your puppy will grow and mature with time. It can be easy to get discouraged if your puppy takes a while to learn, but remember that every dog is different and has different needs.

Over time, you’ll thank yourself for all your hard work, and your puppy will too.

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This post was written by All Star Puppies