Show 56: Potty Training for Puppies: How to Start + The Best Tips for Succe

Potty training puppies is every pet owner’s rite of passage.

Along with all the cuddles and playtime comes the inevitable challenge of potty training. It can be a frustrating and messy process, leaving many dog owners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

cute jack russel puppy playing with toilet paper. | Photographer: Georgiy
Datsenko

As someone who has trained dog owners how to survive and thrive in their puppy-potty-training-journey, I’m here to help.

My Puppy Coach program and FREE Potty Training Course were inspired by each dog owner’s journey from frustration to confidence!

And I’m sharing some of the big tidbits with you in this blog.

Key Takeaways:

• Potty training puppies before they get older can help make your training more effective.
• Shouting, getting angry, punishments, and even indulgence are detrimental to potty training puppies.
• Treats plus positive reinforcement can do wonders to your potty training experience.

MORE ABOUT POTTY TRAINING PUPPIES IN DOGGY DAN’S PUPPY COACH PROGRAM!

Table of Contents:

1. The Importance of Potty Training Puppies Early
2. Potty Training Puppies: How Long Does It Take to Train Them?
3. Different Methods and Tools That Make Potty Training Puppies Fast
4. Can You Potty Train 8-Week-old Puppies? How Early Can You Start?
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Potty Training Puppies
6. How Do I Stop My Puppies From Peeing In The House?
7. Potty Training Puppies: How To Instruct Puppies To Tell You They Have to Pee
8. How to Use Treats the Right Way When Potty Training Puppies
9. What Are the Best Treats for Potty Training Puppies?
10. How Positive Reinforcement + Treats Help in Potty Training Puppies
11. Conclusion: A Successful Potty Training for Puppies Start with YOU

The Importance of Potty Training Puppies Early

How early is early in puppy potty training?

Some puppy parents feel that they have to wait until the puppy is a couple of months old before introducing potty training.

It’s an assumption I totally understand: when dogs are pups, they may look too young and vulnerable to be doing any actual training with them.

But here’s a puppy fact I want every dog owner to know: your puppy’s brain is like a sponge. The younger they are, the more they can absorb information.

This fact has actually inspired me to make a schedule for potty training 8 week-old puppies that I recommend to fur dads and moms.

 

Another plus: younger puppies have not yet caught negative habits that might interfere with your training.

By starting early, you can take advantage of this prime learning period and make potty training a smoother, more effective process.

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Potty Training Puppies: How Long Does It Take to Train Them?

I consider this a legitimate question. Pee accidents are a serious business, so it’s easy to want to squeeze the duration of the entire potty training journey in a month.

However, when it comes to training young puppies to use the potty, PATIENCE IS KEY.

Which also means riding the potty training up from four months to a year.

You’re Not Just Teaching Your Puppies to Potty the Right Way — You’re Teaching Trust, and Right from Wrong

“Why can’t I finish everything in a month, Doggy Dan?”

Puppy potty training is more than just teaching your dog where to potty, and how to potty right.

In fact, everything begins with your relationship with your puppy. The level of trust between you and your furbaby will influence the length of your potty training journey.

You need to first build trust, routine, familiarization and recognition, then consistency.

It will take a while, but if you stick with it, the steps will work out.

DOGGY DAN’S FREE GUIDE FOR POTTY TRAINING PUPPIES. CLICK TO LEARN MORE.

Different Methods and Tools That Make Potty Training Puppies Fast

“But is there any way for me to ensure that my puppy learns fast?”

Here’s a MAJOR puppy potty training realization I have learned through the years: YOU — dog owner — hold the key!

Most of the time, it’s not the training that is long and slow. Sometimes, dog owners are in so much hurry, they make training difficult and complicated for their dogs.

If you really want to help your puppies learn potty training fast, here are some tips — and tools — to have.

Methods and Tools #1: Build Trust with Your Puppy

To effectively potty train your puppy, it's important to establish a relationship of trust and respect.

Remember that your puppy is just a baby, and may not yet understand what is expected of them.

Take the time to get to know your puppy, and let them get to know you.

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Play with them, give them treats, and make sure they feel safe and loved. When your puppy trusts you, they'll be more willing to learn and follow your lead.

Methods and Tools #2: Have the Right Tools

When it comes to potty training puppies, having the right tools can make all the difference.

Invest in a good quality crate or pen, as well as some puppy pads or outdoor training pads.

These tools will help you create a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to learn, and will also make clean-up easier.

Additionally, make sure you have plenty of treats, toys, and praise on hand to reward your puppy for good behavior.

Methods and Tools #3: Start Slow

One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make when potty training their puppies is trying to do too much too soon.

Remember, your puppy is still learning and developing, and they may not be ready for full-on potty training right away.

Instead, start slow and gradually introduce them to the idea of potty training. Begin by taking them outside to potty after meals and naps.

Gradually increase the time between potty breaks as they become more accustomed to the routine.

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Methods and Tools #4: Stick to Routines

Consistency is key when it comes to potty training puppies.

Establish a routine for your puppy that includes regular potty breaks, meals, playtime, and sleep.

Stick to this routine as much as possible, even on weekends or holidays.

When your puppy knows what to expect, they'll be less anxious and more relaxed, making it easier for them to learn and follow your commands.

And remember, be patient and stay positive — potty training is a process, but with the right tools and attitude, you and your puppy can succeed!

Can You Potty Train 8 Week-old Puppies? How Early Can You Start?

The good news is that you can start as early as 8 weeks old!

While some may say that it's too early to start potty training at this age, the truth is that it's actually the perfect time.

Puppies are like sponges at this age – they absorb everything around them and are eager to learn.

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That being said, it's also a need to keep in mind that your puppy is still a baby, and their bladder and bowel control is still developing.

This means that accidents will happen, and that's okay! Be patient, and remember that potty training is a process that takes time and consistency.

To start potty training your 8 week-old puppy, begin by setting up a designated potty area and taking them to it frequently.

Use a consistent cue word or phrase (like "go potty") to help your puppy learn what is expected of them.

Reward your puppy with plenty of praise and treats when they go in the right spot, and try not to punish them for accidents — this will only confuse and scare them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Potty Training Puppies

Potty training puppies can be a challenging task, and there are many common mistakes that dog owners make along the way.

If you don’t want any delay or mishap to happen during your potty training journey with your puppy, here are some mistakes to take note of.

Mistake #1: Rushing Things Too Soon

It's important to remember that potty training takes time and patience.

Rushing your puppy can actually slow down the process and make it more difficult. Give your puppy plenty of time to learn, and don't expect them to be fully trained overnight.

Mistake #2: Scaring Puppies

Punishing your puppy for accidents can actually make them scared of going potty in front of you, which can make training even more difficult.

Instead, focus on positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior with treats and praise.

And IF they do make mistakes, acknowledge the mistake without shouting, stomping your feet, threatening your puppy. And please — absolutely avoid rubbing their face on their pee.

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Statements like “Oh, dear!” and immediately cleaning up the spot will send a message without the terror.

Mistake #3: Not Reinforcing Behavior Properly

Reinforcing good behavior is key to potty training success.

Make sure you're rewarding your puppy every time they go potty in the right spot, and use a consistent cue word or phrase to help them learn what is expected of them.

Mistake #4: Not Starting with a Plan or a Schedule

Establishing a routine is crucial in training puppies, as dogs are creatures of habit and do not appreciate unpredictability.

Without a consistent schedule, potty training can become confusing for your puppy, leading to accidents, frustration, and delayed progress.

By setting up a routine, your puppy will know when to expect potty breaks and when to hold their bladder, making it easier for them to learn and develop good habits.

Mistake #5: Not sticking to a Routine

Puppies thrive on routine, and it's important to establish a consistent schedule for potty breaks. If you're not consistent with taking your puppy out to potty, they may not learn good habits.

Mistake #6: Not Taking Cues From Your Puppy

It's important to pay attention to your puppy's behavior and cues to determine if they are ready for potty training.

If your puppy is still having accidents, it may be a sign that they need more time to develop bladder and bowel control.

By avoiding these common mistakes and staying patient and consistent, you can help your puppy develop good potty habits and make the potty training process as smooth as possible.

How Do I Stop My Puppies From Peeing In The House?

One of the biggest challenges of puppy potty training is getting them to stop peeing in the house.

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Accidents can happen, but with a bit of patience and consistency, you can teach your furry friend the appropriate place to go.

Tip #1: Firstly, it's important to designate a spot for your puppy to pee outside.

This will help your puppy learn where they should go and also make it easier for you to clean up after them.

Make sure this spot is easily accessible, and take your puppy there regularly throughout the day.

Tip #2: If your puppy does have an accident inside the house, it's important to clean it up immediately.

Cleaning up a pee spot can prevent puppies from coming back to the same place.

Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes, as it will effectively break down any odors and discourage your puppy from returning to that spot.

Tip #3: Another helpful strategy is to use a crate to help your puppy hold their pee for longer periods.

Dogs generally avoid going potty in their sleeping area, so using a crate can help teach your puppy to hold their bladder until they are taken to their designated potty spot.

However, it's important to make sure the crate is not too big for your puppy, as they may be more likely to pee in a large area that they don't consider their sleeping space.

Tip #4: Finally, it's important to assess your dog's readiness for outdoor potty training.

If your puppy is not yet ready to go potty outside, you can use a crate or potty grass indoors to help them learn where they should go.

Make sure to be patient and consistent with your training approach, and to praise your puppy when they do go potty in the right spot.

With time and persistence, your puppy will learn where to go potty and become fully trained.

DOG CALMING CODE™️: THE PROGRAM FOR YOUR BIGGER, GROWING DOGS.

Potty Training Puppies: How To Instruct Puppies To Tell You They Have to Pee

One of the most important aspects of potty training your puppy is teaching them to let you know when they need to go outside to potty.

Here are some tips on how to instruct your puppy to tell you when they have to pee:

Tip #1: Follow a Routine and Be Familiar with It

Consistency is key when it comes to potty training your puppy. Establish a routine and stick to it.

Take your puppy outside to their designated potty spot at regular intervals, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.

Over time, your puppy will learn to associate these times with going potty outside.

Tip #2: Use Clear, Distinct Commands

When you take your puppy outside to potty, use a clear, distinct command such as "go potty" or "do your business."

Say the command in a positive tone of voice and wait patiently for your puppy to go potty.

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Tip #3: Be Familiar With Their Body Language

Puppies often give signals when they need to go potty, such as sniffing around or circling.

Be familiar with your puppy's body language so you can anticipate when they need to go outside. If you notice these signals, take your puppy outside to their designated potty spot immediately.

How to Use Treats the Right Way When Potty Training Puppies

Treats are a powerful tool when it comes to potty training your puppy. Used correctly, they can help reinforce good potty training habits and make the process more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Here are some tips on how to use potty training treats the right way:

#1: Emphasize the Power of Treats and Positive Reinforcement

Treats can be an effective way to encourage your puppy to go potty outside.

However, giving treats alone may not work in the long run. Use positive reinforcement, such as praise or playtime, to create a positive association with going potty outside.

#2: Only Use Treats Specifically for Potty Training

When using treats for potty training, it's important to use treats that are specifically designated for this purpose. This means using treats that are small, easy to chew, and not too rich or filling. Using high-value treats such as cheese or chicken can be effective, but it's important to reserve these treats only for potty training sessions to maintain their effectiveness.

#3: Use Treats for Specific Commands

When taking your puppy outside to go potty, use a specific command such as "go potty" or "do your business" and reward your puppy with a treat immediately after they've done their business.

This will help your puppy learn to associate going potty outside with the command and the reward.

#4: Couple Treats with Positive Reinforcement

When using treats for potty training, it's important to pair them with positive reinforcement such as praise, petting, or playtime. This will help reinforce good behavior and create a positive association with going potty outside.

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What Are the Best Treats for Potty Training Puppies?

Potty training your puppy can be challenging, but using treats as a reward for good behavior can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

However, not all treats are created equal when it comes to potty training. In this section, we'll discuss the best treats for potty training puppies and why they're effective.

Best Treats #1: Small Training Treats

These are often small and soft, making them easy to chew and digest quickly. They come in a variety of flavors and can be used for training sessions.

Best Treats #2: Freeze-dried Treats

These are often small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and use as rewards during potty training sessions.

Best Treats #3: Low-calorie Treats

If your puppy is on a special diet or if you're concerned about their weight, look for low-calorie treats that won't add too many extra calories to their daily intake.

How Positive Reinforcement + Treats Help in Potty Training Puppies

I’m a big believer of positive reinforcement especially in training dogs.

Our dogs LOVE it when we’re proud of and because of them.

But I also believe that positive reinforcement alone can only do so much before our dogs tire out.

So here’s a formula I would recommend: positive reinforcement + treats = success.

Why? Here are a few reasons.

Firstly, it makes the training process enjoyable for both you and your puppy.

Your puppy is more likely to look forward to the training sessions when they know they will receive treats as rewards.

Secondly, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Treats + praise promotes trust and a positive relationship. Your puppy will begin to associate you with positive experiences and will be more willing to obey your commands.

Lastly, it provides a clear and consistent message to your puppy that certain behaviors are desirable and will be rewarded.

By helping your dog understand that great habits give them reward, you are making it easier for them to learn and repeat the desired behavior in the future.

Important reminder: It's necessary to note that positive reinforcement or treats alone should not be used as a sole training method. Use other training techniques, such as establishing a routine, using a designated potty spot, and giving consistent commands.

When used correctly and consistently, positive reinforcement and treats can make the potty training process more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend while reinforcing positive associations with desired behaviors.

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Conclusion: A Successful Potty Training for Puppies Start with YOU

Let me emphasize this: the success of your puppy's potty training lies in your hands.

Waiting for your puppy to figure it out on their own won't work—they need your guidance.

Establishing a consistent routine is crucial, but it's up to you to enforce it.

The truth is, your puppy needs you to make potty training successful.

It can be overwhelming to think about, but don't worry, you're not alone. I'm here to help.

Countless puppy owners have come to me, feeling hopeless and frustrated, only to exclaim, "It's working! I'm finally getting the hang of potty training my puppy!"

By following the best practices in puppy potty training and taking advantage of the free course I have available, you too can become a happy, stress-free puppy owner.

 

~ Doggy Dan 😄