How to Potty Train Your Dog

May 25, 2015

House training can be one of the most challenging parts of owning a pet, especially if you aren't home all the time or live in a chaotic environment. Every dog is different, but if you are consistent when training your new pup, he or she should respond a bit quicker.

Very young puppies are just like baby humans. They may not have full control over the call of nature just yet. Make sure your puppy always has access to an area that they can use, whether through a dog door or disposable puppy pads that you can place anywhere in the house. Placing these pads near the door will help make the transition to going outside a little easier for your puppy, so consider that when thinking of where to put them. If you have access to a yard or patio, you can move the pads outside where you want them to use the bathroom once they are old enough to get potty trained – 12 weeks or so.

If that is not an option for you, you'll have to train your pup the old fashioned way. How often young pups need to use the bathroom will vary depending on the puppy and a variety of factors, when they last ate and drank being the most important. Take your dog outside generally every 30 to 45 minutes to start out. Take them specifically to where you want them to go. Try to avoid distracting the dog in this area with toys or baby talk encouraging them to go. Once they do their business, give positive reinforcement by petting them and praising them in a happy, encouraging voice. You may want to start this process on a weekend or a time when someone will be home to take the dog outside for most of the day, as the process doesn't happen overnight.

For a cool variation, you can also put a small bell next to the door at dog level and ring it every time you take your dog out to potty. Eventually, your dog will start to ring it themselves when they need to go out!

Be careful with how much negative reinforcement you use. When your pooch has an accident – and there will be accidents – in areas you don't want them to go, don't be rough with them or yell. This could traumatize and confuse the dog. A stern “no” if you catch them in the act of eliminating their waste on the rug is okay, but the traditional act of “rubbing their noses” in the waste can be detrimental. After an accident, take the dog outside to its bathroom area to fortify the connection between the area and eliminating waste.

Once your dog is trained, they will ideally stand near the door or get your attention to go out, though it is still preferable to take them out eight to ten times a day, then reduce to about three to five times per day as they get older. And please remember not to leave your dog locked in the house or car during the day.