Potty training your new puppy

How to potty train your pup:
Also see the potty training worksheet for more info.

Supervise your dog at all times when he is inside, except when he is crated or otherwise confined. This means you will have to keep your attention focused on him so that you can prevent any opportunity to make a mistake. At the very least, you will be able to catch him midstream, interrupt and rush him outside to his potty area.

When you cannot actively supervise him, confine your dog in a crate, ex-pen or other dog safe area. A crate is best as most dogs will not potty in a small, secure place.

Set up a routine. Feed your dog on schedule. If you know when it goes in, you'll have a better idea of when it will come out. You will want to take your dog outside to his potty place after he eats, plays and wakes up from a nap. In addition to the former, set a timer to go off every 60 minutes. When the timer goes off, take your pup outside to his potty place. If your dog is still making mistakes, set your timer for 20 or 30 minutes.

Take your dog to his potty place. Do not just put him outside and assume he has relieved himself. Go out with him and give him about three minutes to "go." If he goes potty, be sure to praise while he is going and give him a reward as soon as he finishes. Rewarded behavior increases in frequency. We want your pup to find going potty outside very rewarding.

Learn to read your dogs signals. Look for clues that he needs to go outside. Some common signs are acting restless, bugging you, pacing and just before the act, circling.

If a mistake happens, do not punish your dog. If you catch your dog in the act, it's OK to interrupt midstream and rush him outside. If you find the mistake after the fact, do not punish. It will not help and could set back your progress by making your dog afraid to "go" near you.

As your dog becomes more successful, gradually (very gradually) give him more freedom and less supervision.

Back to R Plus Pet Dog Training home page.