Puppies don’t all learn at the same rate, which means that some may pick up potty training slower than others. Don’t feel discouraged if your puppy is still struggling to get the hang of it. By following some expert training tips, you can have your bestie respecting your carpets in no time.
1. Don’t let your puppy roam the house unattended. Being on their own in the house gives your puppy plenty of opportunity to poop or pee. Keep your puppy within eyesight so you can be ready to whisk them outside at the first sign they need to eliminate.
2. The crate is your friend. Dogs are inherently clean creatures. They prefer not to eliminate in a small area like a crate unless it’s absolutely urgent. When they are still young they have less control, so anytime you are out of the house, put your puppy in their crate. You should make the crate a fun place for your puppy with comfy blankets, fun toys and treats that keep them busy. As potty training progresses, you can graduate your puppy to a small room (think bathroom), then a large room and finally the whole house.
3. Remember the number 6. Be sure to take your 6-month-old puppy outside or to their potty pads to eliminate at least once every 6 hours. The more often you can give your puppy potty breaks, the better! As a rule of thumb, your puppy will need to go after eating, playing or sleeping, so try to time your walks for that. Good news: at 6 months old, your puppy can usually make it through the night without a potty break!
4. Have a catchphrase and a spot. Always take your puppy to the same spot to eliminate—it’s easier for them to learn one right spot to go instead of hundreds of spots not to go. Use a catchphrase like "Go potty" or "Hurry up" every time. Your puppy will soon learn your phrase as a command to eliminate.
5. Reward, reward, reward! Every time your puppy poops or pees in the right spot, reward them for being the best puppy ever! Give them a yummy treat plus plenty of pets and praise. Your puppy will want to figure out what they did right so that you’ll give them the same wonderful rewards again soon.
If you’ve tried these tactics and aren’t having success with potty training, reach out to your VCA care team for advice.
Learn more about potty training and how to fix incorrect elimination.
