How To Potty Train Your Puppy

House-training a puppy can be challenging. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned dog owner, knowledge is power. Educating new dog owners on potty training techniques increases success. A 2007 JAVMA article showed that 98.1% of shelter dogs with owners that had been provided five minutes of potty training counseling prior to adoption were successfully house-trained in one month versus 86.4% of the control group that received no additional education.¹

Young puppies have little bladder and bowel control at eight weeks of age, but this quickly increases over the next couple of months. With consistency, patience, and time, your puppy will learn what is expected as well as who is in charge. This training will also help prevent other unwanted behavioral problems.

The following techniques are based on positive reinforcement, or praising your puppy for doing a good job. We will address training basics, the role of feeding your puppy in housetraining, the prevention and correction of common problems, and your keys to success.

The cardinal rule when it comes to potty training is to watch your puppy so well that there is no chance of the puppy having an accident. It is critical that you have enough time for training during the first couple of weeks. The goal is for every potty episode to happen outside, where it will be rewarded by you. Anticipating your future together with your puppy grown up and well-trained will make your attention and dedication worthwhile.

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