Training Tips and Tricks: Have You Hit a Plateau With Potty Training or Need Help With Your Pup?

Potty-training your new family member can be one of the most stressful parts of your day! Here are few tips and tricks to set you and your pup up for success:

Consistency: Make sure to feed your pup at the same time everyday, take them outside at the same times, and keep them as scheduled as much as possible.

Dogs are creatures of habit, and need consistency to be successful. Some examples of consistency would be taking your pup out:

• First thing when they wake up
• Last thing before bed
• After playing indoors
• After spending time in a crate
• As soon as they wake up
• After playing with a toy
• After eating
• After drinking water
• Any activity change

Supervision: If you can’t watch your pup, put them somewhere safe where they will not have an accident. Safe places include their crate or playpen, as dogs usually do not want to potty where they sleep or eat.  

Timing: When your pup potty’s where you want them to (outside or on a potty pad) reward them right away with a special treat that they only get when they potty in that spot.

They will start holding their bladder to get that special treat that they get when they go in the right spot.

If they do have an accident, do not punish them. Punishment only teaches them to hide next time they need to potty since they get in trouble for it when you’re around!

Be patient, and give your pup time to adjust. After all, you wouldn’t expect a human child to be potty-trained in just a few days!