Potty Training

Prevent:

• When your pup is inside you must be actively watching them. Use gates or pens to limit access to areas you cannot see.

• If you cannot actively supervise, then confine them to a crate or pen and give them an activity to keep them happy.

• Feed your pup on a regular schedule (pick up leftovers) to make potty time more predictable.

• Use an enzymatic cleaner liberally if there is an accident – if it smells like a potty, they will keep going in that spot.

What to do:

• Supervise, supervise, supervise.

• Track it – keep a potty journal to track patterns.

• Reinforce what you want – fancy treats come out for a party when they finish going in the right spot.

• Take your pup outside regularly – young puppies can usually hold their potty one hour per age in months plus one.  You should only expect a 3 month old puppy to hold it for a maximum of 4 hours between potty breaks.  

• Go out after activities: eating/drinking, waking up, playing, and when taken out of confinement.  Carry young puppies when you know they have to go! 

• Adjust the potty schedule based on the potty journal.

• See your vet to evaluate for medical issues if behavior isn’t responding to good management and training within a couple of weeks if the dog seems otherwise bright and healthy.

Myth Busting:

• Punishment isn’t helpful – it is more likely to make your pup scared to go potty around you.

• If your pup looks guilty, they don’t understand what they did was bad – they are trying to tell you that they don’t want you to be upset with them.

• Your puppy isn’t making a mess to upset or spite you, they just couldn’t hold it or don’t know where to go.

• Limiting water is not necessary for potty training, do not limit water unless advised to do so by your vet.·