Potty training can feel like the ultimate test of patience for new puppy and dog parents. It's almost as if your furry friend is holding a secret meeting to plot the perfect spot to drop their “welcome home” gift—right on your brand new rug. Who knew that your living room would double as a makeshift bathroom? After all, nothing says "I love you," like finding an anal surprise waiting for you after a long day at work. You'd think they’d at least have the courtesy to wrap it up in a bow, right? Instead, it's more like an unmissable prank. But, hey, every dog owner knows that those little messes are just part of the journey toward becoming a seasoned pet parent, armed with paper towels and a heart full of puppy love (and a bit of exasperation)!
But fear not, fellow furbaby parents! I’m here to share some easy-to-follow steps for conquering the potty training jungle. With a sprinkle of patience, you’ll transform your pup from a bathroom bandit into a potty pro. We’ll cover everything from choosing the perfect potty spot to the art of rewarding your pooch for their “business,” like they just won the Nobel Prize in Canine Behavior.
So grab your favorite treats, a roll of paper towels, and white vinegar (I'll explain later), and let’s embark on this adventure together.
Çlean floors are only a few steps away, and your puppy will soon learn that the great outdoors is far more appealing than your favorite pair of slippers!
1. Supervise Like a Starving Hawk: Observation Phase
Keep an eagle eye on your pup indoors. If they start circling like they’re planning a dance routine, it’s time to spring into action!
Take note of:
When nature calls your furbaby, you want to know how long it took your pup to go after they ate.
Where are they choosing to go? Is it a faraway place, or are they just going where they are? This matters.
Use this to your advantage if your pup goes far from the family. If it's a good spot, immediately praise the behavior and encourage them to go there in the future. If your pup goes, be ready to catch them and gently usher them to a preferable place. I'll explain more in step 2.
2. Location, Location, Location: Picking Your Pooch's Poopy Paradise
Pick a designated bathroom spot for your pup. It's like their very own restroom! Make it as appealing as possible—maybe add trim shrubbery or a fancy sign that says "Paw-some Potty Place." Your dog deserves a throne.
Where, you ask?
Dogs are naturally clean animals. Yes, seriously! Use that to your advantage!
Pick a spot far away from the regular play and family high-traffic areas. This way, neither you, your family, nor your pup have to have an accidental encounter with butt bullets. No one wants that.
Your pup will become accustomed to that area faster since they know it's private and personal.
We like doing our business at home better than in a public bathroom. Dogs feel more comfortable using the bathroom away from awkward looks.
***IMPORTANT** Keep that area as clean as possible. No one likes a dirty, unflushed toilet—that's a horror!
YES, I know dogs will randomly go potty anywhere. It's because they don't know any better.
A potty-trained dog does not like using the bathroom where they are not supposed to. If your dog doesn't seem to care, they are NOT potty trained and know no better. They are NOT doing it on purpose.
3. Schedule
Make a potty schedule. If you have a puppy, take them out every two hours, after meals, and before bedtime. If your dog is older, take them out 3 to 5 times a day, about an hour or two after meals, and before bed. Note: Every dog is different. This is why it's important to remember when your individual dog goes. You don’t want them to have a “potty emergency” in your living room during the next Netflix binge.
When? Write down those moments and try to follow that schedule every day. Remember, consistency is key. Use the same command in a happy and enthusiastic tone every time you take your pup out. They’re not psychic; they need a hint!
3 . Pick a fun command!
Create a short and snappy phrase—one or two syllables work best to keep things manageable.
Anything like “Go time!” or “Potty party!”
Your dog will know it’s showtime for their big performance! When they nail It, just be prepared for a little bow or a triumphant tail wag! Your backyard will feel like the Broadway stage of doggy relief!
IMPORTANT: To teach the word, use it when your pup is going; during the action, say the phrase in the happiest, most enthusiastic tone possible.
They won't learn after the action; it must be done now.
4 Celebrate the Wins
Treats and praise galore! Throw a mini celebration when your pup does their business outside and in the right area. Express happiness and enthusiasm with the most incredible tone of voice and body language you can muster.
When? Yes, praising while they're going and about a minute after the action is okay.
Confetti, balloons, and jazz hands are optional.
5. Accidents Happen:
During: If you catch your pup in the act, use a stern "no" or whatever negative command you choose to stop the behavior. Your tone should express disapproval but not be too harsh. Then, gently usher them to the right spot. Once there, change your toner to positive and use the potty command you chose.
If your pup goes excellent, let them finish, reward them, and walk away. If they don't go, take them out again in about 20-30 minutes.
After: Stay calm if your pup has a mishap indoors—be a zen master! Clean up the mess without fuss, making mental notes about your pup's preferred “bathroom spots” for future reference.
Use white vinegar and dish soap to clean the mess. White vinegar disinfects and really gets rid of the smell. There are hundreds of DIY cleaner recipes alone that will give you the best ratio.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a potty-trained puppy in no time—so you can finally stop playing detective in your home! 🐾😂
FYI: If there are significant typos, blame the 18lb cat walking over the keyboard
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