Potty training, house training, whatever you call it, it’s crucial for any new furry family member. Starting right away gives your pup a solid foundation for success. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks, and your job is to anticipate these needs. It might feel like a full-time gig initially, but with consistent training, puppies are quick learners!

Crate Training: Building a Foundation for Both Housebreaking and Tether Training

Crate training is highly recommended for new pups. It might seem dramatic at first (puppies are masters of emotional manipulation!), but stick with it! Dogs have a natural instinct to den, and their crate becomes their safe haven, a place to sleep, relax, and feel secure – not a place to destroy the house while you’re gone.

Crate Training for Housebreaking:

• Choose the right size crate: Consider your dog’s adult size. Initially, use a cardboard box divider to limit their space to just enough room for turning around and sleeping.
• Command creation: Teach your dog a command to enter the crate, like “kennel” or “kennel up.”
• Positive reinforcement: The crate is a happy place, not punishment. Punishment creates fear and discourages crate entry.
• Scheduling is key: Puppies need bathroom breaks every 2 hours. Don’t leave them crated for too long to avoid anxiety or depression.
• Age-appropriate crating: Puppies under 6 months shouldn’t be crated for more than 3-4 hours at a time. The same goes for adult dogs being house-trained; physically they can hold it, but they haven’t learned yet.
• Graduation from the crate: Crate your dog until you can trust them not to destroy the house. Eventually, the crate should be a place they go voluntarily.

Reading Your Puppy’s Potty Cues and Timing is Key

Most puppies exhibit telltale signs before needing a bathroom break: anxious pacing, circling, and sniffing in corners. This is your cue to take them outside immediately.

Take your dog to the same place to potty every time — and throw a party!

• Consistency is key: Take your dog to the same designated potty spot every time.
• The power of positive reinforcement: Throw a party when your dog goes where you want them to! Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell, so utilize it. Celebrate with praise, treats, and enthusiastic acting to create a positive connection between the potty spot and their elimination. This can be done on grass, gravel, or even indoor dog training pads (ideal for smaller dogs in apartments or for owners with disabilities).

Command Training for Elimination:

• While it might seem advanced, teaching your dog to eliminate on command is surprisingly easy. It’s a valuable skill for Service Dogs and Working Dogs, but let’s be honest, nobody enjoys standing in the rain while their dog ponders their business! With your dog on a 6-foot leash, walk them to the designated potty spot. As they begin to eliminate, use your chosen command (e.g., “do your duty”) and offer continuous praise while they go. Once finished, point excitedly to their business and celebrate with a “potty party!”

Punishment Doesn’t Work: Positive Reinforcement is Key!

Just like with children, punishing accidents doesn’t work. In fact, it can create negative associations with elimination, leading to hiding and going in undesired locations. The myth of rubbing a dog’s nose in their mess is also ineffective. Dogs live in the moment and don’t connect the act of elimination with your anger.

Conclusion: Patience and Positivity Lead to Success

Raising a puppy takes effort, just like having a baby. Less sleep and heightened alertness for chewing sounds come with the territory, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Be patient, focus on positive reinforcement, and with consistent effort, you’ll achieve successful potty training, laying a strong foundation for your dog’s future, even if that future involves becoming a Service Dog or Working Dog!

Additional Resources:

• Consider exploring the comprehensive resources available on Service Dog training from Servicedogstandards.org