Puppy Potty Training Tips

Adopting a puppy is a big decision, akin to having a baby. Just like you prepare yourself for a baby, you also need to prepare yourself for adopting a puppy. Puppies are just like babies, without a mind of their own. Hence, if you want to make yours and your puppy's life comfortable, you need to train him, as per your requirements. Potty training, which forms a crux of dog training, is also the most difficult of all dog training processes. It requires tremendous patience on your part and a willingness to handle any 'accidents' that may occur during the training process. Given below are some tips that might come to your rescue, if you are all set to potty train your puppy.

Puppy Potty Training Tips

Puppy potty training techniques, may vary depending upon the breed of your dog. Some dog breeds are easy to train, while a few others are pretty difficult. You may also buy a puppy from a responsible dog breeder, who has already provided some potty training to the puppy. This will make your task much simpler.

Right Age for Potty Training
The sooner you start potty training your puppy, the better. Younger puppies respond better to the training than the older puppies. Older puppies may find it difficult to unlearn their old ways of doing potty. Thus, ideally, you should begin potty training your puppy as soon as you get him home. Of course, you may spare a few days, before you create a bond with him, so that he begins to trust you.

Training Schedule
Once, you decide it's time to potty train your puppy, it is important to fit him in a regular schedule. Always feed him his dog food on the same time everyday and also select an appropriate time for his snacks, walks etc. During the training period, give your dog as little water as possible. However, make sure you are not dehydrating him, especially during hot, humid days. Make it a point to take your dog out every time after he has his meals, naps and playing sessions. This will help you to understand his preferred time of relieving himself, so that you can take him out on the same time everyday. Do not give him water for at least 2 hours before bedtime. Younger puppies might find it too difficult to control their bladder for the whole night. You might have to wake up and take him out, if he turns particularly noisy.

Crate Training
When you get a small puppy home, you are likely to keep it in a crate. The interiors of crate are mostly comfortable and enjoyable for your puppy. Hence, no matter how young your puppy is, he is least likely to relieve himself inside the crate. Hence, do not forget to take your puppy out of the crate, whenever you think it's time for him to go for a potty. It is recommended that you don't lock your puppy inside the crate for long hours. Keep him in crate only when there is no one around to watch him over.

Training Pads
Training pads can be very effective during the potty training period. As soon as your puppy starts relieving him, pick him up and immediately place him on pads. When you repeat it for a few times, your puppy will get the hint about where he is supposed to relieve himself. Eventually, move the training pads closer to the door and then out, wherever you want your puppy to poop. Pads are easy to clean and do not absorb any liquid.

Your Role in Puppy Potty Training
You should be extremely patient and kind, while your puppy is still learning his potty habits. Do not scold or punish your dog, if he accidentally ruins your carpet. Clean the mess without saying a word and ignore him for a while. Similarly, do not play with your dog until he finishes his business, while you take him out. When he does, praise him and give him a reward. During the training period, it is better to contain a dog in a room with tile flooring, so that cleaning becomes easier. Keep the toilet area of your dog clean and odor free.

Hope these tips help you to potty train your dog, so that you can get a life of your own. If you experience puppy potty training problems even after 4 - 5 months of training, you should consult your vet to check if there is some medical problem that is preventing your puppy from holding his bladder.