When is a puppy potty trained? A frequently asked question.
Potty training, start Now. If you’ve just brought a puppy home, you know there’s a lot to learn, but one of the first and most important things you need to teach your new family member is potty training. Potty training can be challenging, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can quickly teach your puppy where to go. In this blog, I’ll give you tips and strategies to make potty training go as smoothly as possible.
1. Start at a young age
The earlier you start, the sooner your puppy will pick it up. Ideally, you should begin training as soon as your puppy comes into your home. Puppies can begin to understand their potty habits from around 8 weeks of age, although most dogs begin to develop bladder and bowel control between 12 and 16 weeks.
2. Set a routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and like structure. Taking your puppy outside at set times will help him know when it’s time to go outside. These are the ideal times to go outside:
- Immediately after sleeping
- After eating or drinking
- After intensive playing
- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling (these are often signals that he needs to pee or poop)
3. Reward good behavior
Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to encourage desired behavior. When your puppy does his business outside, immediately reward him with a treat, praise, or a toy. This helps your puppy understand that he is being good when he does his business outside.
4. Little accidents? Don't panic!
It is normal for puppies to go inside occasionally, especially in the early stages of training. Never punish your puppy, as this will only confuse him. Instead, gently correct him and take him outside to show him where he should go. Clean the area well so that the smell does not linger and your puppy does not return to the same spot. Punishment can actually backfire. Your puppy will think that peeing and pooping is not allowed in your presence, causing him to secretly look for a place to do his business.
5. Use a fixed spot outside
Always try to take your puppy to the same area outside to do his business. Not only does this help reinforce the routine, but the smell of previous feces or urine can encourage your puppy to do his business there again.
6. Be patient and consistent
Potty training takes time. Don’t expect your puppy to be completely potty trained overnight. Sometimes it can take weeks for your puppy to fully understand where to do his business. Consistency is key, so stick to the routine even if it doesn’t always yield immediate results.
7. Use a crate
A crate can be a valuable tool for house training. Dogs naturally tend to keep their sleeping areas clean. Keeping your puppy in a crate when you can’t keep an eye on him will help reduce the chance of accidents in the house. Make sure the crate is large enough for your puppy to turn around comfortably, but not so large that he can’t go to the bathroom in a corner.
8. Pay attention to your puppy's signals
If your puppy stands near the door or starts sniffing, know that he may need to pee. This is the time to act quickly and take your puppy outside.
9. Nighttime cleanliness
Puppies often don't have enough control over their bladder at night. You can set an alarm to take your puppy outside in the middle of the night. As your puppy gets older, he will have more control and be able to wait longer.
10. Stay positive
Potty training can be frustrating for both you and your puppy, but it's important to stay positive. Dogs learn quickly from positive experiences, so try to be patient and focus on the progress your puppy is making.
Conclusion
Potty training is one of the first important steps in raising your puppy. It takes patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement. By establishing a routine, keeping a close eye on your puppy, and rewarding him for good behavior, your puppy will quickly learn where to go to the bathroom. Remember that mistakes and accidents are part of the learning process, and always be patient and understanding. Before you know it, your puppy will be a happy, well-trained dog who knows where to go!
