Dogsmanship - The Dog Lover's Survival Guide

Potty Training a Puppy Tips and Guide

If you have ever brought a new puppy home from a breeder or shelter, you know how important it is to get that tiny ball of fur housebroken as quickly as possible. But potty training a puppy usually takes patience, consistency and – yes, indeed –time.

The good news is that the more time you are prepared to commit to the process at the beginning, the less time your pup may take to learn his lessons well. Keep that in mind before you bring your pup home, prepare well for the process, and you and your pup will be on the road to a long, happy life together.

Advantages of Crate Training
Many dog owners have become quite partial to crate training as a means of potty training a puppy, and with good reason. A crate can perform a multitude of functions with your little pup. First, it will offer a secure place for your dog to rest and sleep. Second, confining your pup to his crate while you are gone will ensure that your home will still be in one piece upon your return. Finally, using a crate for potty training a puppy will teach your dog to hold his urge to eliminate until he is in the proper location to do so. Most dogs will not eliminate in their crate because they know not to go to the bathroom in the same space that they sleep in.

Before placing your pup in his crate for a period of time, always make sure that he has time outside to potty. When you let your dog out of his crate, you should consistently take him outdoors right away. A crate can be a valuable training tool when you are away from home, or if you are involved in an activity for a period of time that will keep you from watching your pup sufficiently. Keep in mind that puppies should not be left in a crate all day, although they can sleep in one throughout the night. If you work all day, try to come home for lunch to give your dog a break, or have someone else come by your home to do so.

Paper Training
Paper training does not mean using a rolled newspaper to swat your dog when he potties in the house. This is actually the most ineffective means of potty training a puppy that there is. Paper training actually refers to indoor potty training, where you teach your dog to go to the bathroom on papers or training pads that you put on the floor for him.

This type of potty training for puppies is generally best done when you can confine your pup to a single room in the house, like the kitchen. Whenever you see your dog begin to nose around the floor like he is looking for a spot, take your pup to the paper to potty. When he gets this process down, move the papers closer to the door. Eventually your pup will learn to go to the door when he needs to go to the bathroom.

Potty training a puppy may be challenging, but it is far from impossible. With a bit of patience and consistency, your puppy potty training will succeed much more quickly than you might think.