by Geraldine Dimarco

Puppies are on people’s favorite things list, as well they should be. After the initial excitement of the newcomer gradually mellows, it’s time to take on the not as adorable but very essential task of puppy potty training.

Potty training is the start of many unique and special bonding moments with your little friend. While it can be inconvenient at times especially in the beginning, it will be well worth it in the future. Here are some puppy training tips to help you and your pup on your way to potty independence.

Recognize your puppy’s limitations. They will not be able to control their bodily functions quite as well yet so do not serve them their meals right before their sleeping time. In the beginning, you will have to wake up in the night to bring your puppy out to relieve himself. You’ll be a little cranky and impatient but do not rush the dog if he’s not yet ready. At this point, it is important to instill in him good habits that he will carry his whole life.

Schedule the puppy’s intake of food and water and follow it as closely as possible every day. You want to train his body to remember certain periods in the day when to eat and eliminate. Take him out for a walk and potty first thing in the morning and before you sleep at night. Fifteen minutes after meal times bring him outside in a designated area to do his business. As you walk around the spot keep saying a phrase you want the puppy to associate with toilet urges like ‘go potty’ until he does.

Immediately after successfully eliminating, reward the puppy with enthusiastic accolades and a treat. Play with him for a few minutes before walking back indoors. The puppy should realize that ‘going potty’ at that particular spot was a pleasant and satisfying experience for him. After an hour go back to the spot and wait to see if he wants to do it a second time. Establishing good habits is the most important thing in puppy potty training.

Now it’s time to teach him how to request to go outside for toilet. Sounds difficult? It’s not as hard as you think. Fasten a bell at the end of a rope and tie to the door. When you go out for your special walks, give the bell a little nudge and say ‘go potty’ clearly so the puppy will hear. Do this for two weeks. After that time, say ‘go potty’ when you reach the door but don’t do anything. Wait for the dog to touch the bell from habit which he will with patient practice. When he does, reward him with plenty of praise and open the door.

Repeat this process every single time the puppy uses his toilet privileges. Your dog will catch on and understand this as his signal to want to go out. Before long, he will know enough to tap the bell or door by himself whenever he needs to unload.

That’s all there is to it. Properly and consistently done, these puppy training tips should have successfully gotten your dog potty trained easily. Now you can go on to your next, hopefully less smelly adventure!

About the Author:
Geraldine Dimarco enjoys watching puppy training tips that has helped her tremendously in raising her dogs. Learn more about Puppy Potty Training today.

Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Filed under: Dog Training

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!