Puppy Potty Training Tips
Is there anything more exciting—and deliciously exhausting—than bringing home a new puppy? We think not. But there are plenty of hurdles to jump, too—like potty training, better known as the Mt. Everest of puppyhood.
But don’t fret! With a hefty dose of patience and our puppy potting training tips, the process can be easier than you think. Here’s what the team at Switzer Veterinary Clinic recommends.
3 Puppy Potty Training Tips to Follow
1. Set a Routine—and Stick to It
Puppies thrive on a consistent routine. Use a visual system like a calendar or set alarms in your phone to take your puppy out to the potty at the same times every day. Here’s our suggested schedule:
- First thing in the morning
- After each meal
- After every nap
- Before an outdoor play session
- Before bedtime
Keep in mind that most puppies need to go outside about every 2-3 hours, depending on their age.
After a few days of life with your new pup, you’ll get a good idea of what time these events happen. You can set alarms or add visual cues to your calendar accordingly.
2. Choose a Potty Spot
As part of your daily potty excursions, identify one specific area you want your pup to go. A place they can sniff the remnants of previous pees and poos and deliver another gift to the grass. Use a cue like “Go potty!” to help create an association between the cue and the loo.
If your pup accidentally goes potty inside—trust us, it will happen—avoid punishing your little pup. Just take her outside immediately, say “Go potty!” and wait for her to finish up any bodily functions.
Even if there aren’t any, she’ll quickly make an association that inside equals no potty, and outside equals potty time.
And the most important step here is to use an enzyme-based spray when you clean up the mess inside. These cleaners get the smell out so your pup isn’t tempted to repeat the accident in the same spot next time. Nature’s Miracle is a favorite around here.
3. Watch for Signs of the Potty-Dance
Even if it’s not “time” to go outside, you’ll want to take your puppy out to pee or poo whenever they show these signs:
- Sniffing the ground
- Walking or running in circles
- Whining
- Trotting toward the door
- Squatting (for pee)
- Hunching (for poo)
Obviously, the last two items on the list are late-stage critical signs that you need to get your puppy outside ASAP. But the previous four are good indicators that a session in the grass is urgently needed.
Make sure you praise your puppy immediately after they go potty outside (even if they did dribble on your favorite rug or leave a bit of poo on the carpet on your frantic rush through the door).
They will get it, eventually!
When to Get Professional Help
Some puppies struggle more than others. If you’ve tried all the tips above, and still feel that your puppy isn’t fully potty trained by the age of 6-8 months, let your veterinarian know. Your vet can offer extra support in teaching your puppy to go outside.
Are you floundering with an older puppy’s potty training woes? Give our friendly team at Switzer Veterinary Clinic a call at (989) 356-4880.
We’re happy to schedule a wellness appointment and figure out what’s going on with your pet’s potty perplexities!