How to potty train your puppy or dog! I get asked the question all the time, why does my eight week old puppy keep having accidents? And I respond, “Why do we put diapers on infants?” If you decide to get a puppy as young as eight weeks, understand that accidents are going to happen. Just as a new- born baby does not have control over their bodily functions, nor does an eight week old puppy. Here are a few tips that will help to potty train your pup: 1. Never Yell or Hit Your Puppy- Some people think that screaming and hitting a young pup with a newspaper will deter future messes. Yelling at a pup or shoving their face in the mess is NOT going to prevent accidents. Any sort of physical or verbal harm is going to result in trust issues and cause your puppy to frightened. Your relationship with your pup is just like any relationship; it is based on trust. If your pup fears you, it will create future issues with obedience training and reinforcements later down the road. If your puppy has an accident, firmly say “No!” lift them up and take them out side to their spot. 2. Bring Your Pup to the Same Spot- Always bring your young puppy to the same spot or area to relieve themselves. If your pup has an accident inside, bring them outside and put them in that spot. By doing so, you are getting your puppy used to going to the bathroom outside AND in the same spot. Pet urine is acidic and will destroy your lawn and plants and I recommend you use Yard Odor Killer Stool & Urine Deodorizer Refill If you designate a spot for your dog, you will never have to worry about pet urine being the reason you have burnt patches on your lawn. 3. No Newspaper Training- Do not get into the habit of letting your dog go to the bathroom inside on newspapers. Your dog must learn to go to the bathroom outside. You do not want your home becoming dirty and smelly because of your dog. Training your dog to go to the bathroom on a newspaper is a big no no when it comes to dog training. If you are going to let your dog go to the bathroom in the house use Bargain Hound(reg) Housebreaking Pads for Dogs
4. Brave Bad Weather- I will be the first to tell you that I hate the cold weather with a passion. But this doesn’t mean that I stop taking my dog outside to go to the bathroom when it snows or rains. Continue to take your dog outside to the same spot despite bad weather conditions. Don’t rush your dog, because you are cold or rained on. Invest in a warm coat or rain jacket and continue the routine. There are times where it can rain constantly for a week, so suck it up.
5. Bury Your Dog’s Poop!- I know it sounds funny and you can get a few laughs out of it, but this will be vital to getting your dog to go to the bathroom in the same area. Next time your pup poops in the crate, get a plastic bag or gloves and take it outside in your dog’s area and bury it just under the surface of the ground. This will help your pup recognize the scent and reinforce potty training. 6. Clean up Accidents with an Odor Eater- You can find a variety of these products online. First absorb the majority of the mess with paper towels then proceed to clean with your odor or scent eater. If your dog smells urine on the rug, they will be more likely to pee or poop near that spot. Invest in a cheap odor desensitizing spray. Your carpets and floors will thank you. Feel your puppy out, get to know them, and look for signs. The younger the puppy the more times you should take them out for walks. After eating and after sleeping are times when you will always want to bring your pup outside. If you see your pup frantically sniffing, take them to their spot as soon as possible. It’s a long slow process, but stick with it; all the hard work will be worth it in the end.
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