Tips on Potty Training Your Dog or Pup

  1. Take your puppy outside at least every 2 hours to avoid frequent accidents.
  2. Pick the same bathroom spot outside and use a specific word of your choice to let them know it’s time to do their business. Consistency is the key.
  3. Reward your puppy with a treat every time they go potty outdoors. Only do this once when they have immediately finished and not when they come back inside. This will let them know why you are actually rewarding them.
  4. Put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule. If they are eating at the same times every day then that should keep their potty schedule consistent as well.
  5. Pick up your puppy’s water dish. Eliminate bedtime accidents by picking up your dogs water dish at least two and a half hours prior to bedtime.
  6. Supervise your puppy. Look for any signs that they might have to go potty such as waiting by the door or whimpering to go outside.
  7. Tether your puppy. If not actively training or playing with your puppy. Keep an eye out for signs that your pup might just need to go relieve them-self.
  8. Keep your puppy on leash in the yard. If your pup is doing good with potty training. Take it outside. Treat your backyard as another room but keep him on a leash. See how he does with a little bit of freedom.
  9. When you can’t supervise, confine. If you are unable to be home with your canine pal, you may want to crate or small space your dog. Make sure your pup is able to lie down, stand and turn around in the crate. If you put your pup in a small space, some suggestions are: laundry room or bathroom where you can close it off with a baby gate.

Taken from the Humane Society of the United States