Learn How To Potty Train Your Pup Yourself At Home

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Potty training is one of the foremost challenges a pet parent comes across after getting a puppy or an adult dog.  Providing them with a designated spot to release themselves, on a specific routine and in the right manner is crucial in making sure we are caring for all dimensions of our pet  - their mental, physical, social and home health. You can choose to have your pup release itself in a spot inside or outside your house. We have made a comprehensive guide for you to be able to successfully do either.

Developing a routine for your puppy is very crucial, and turns out to be helpful for potty training your puppy.Making a routine for everything will make your pet more balanced, well behaved and help build a strong and healthy metabolism of your pet.

1. HOW TO DEVELOP A ROUTINE FOR YOUR PET?

a) Develop a feeding schedule: Start with developing a feeding schedule for your puppy. Doing this will make it easier to housetrain your pet. Feed your pet at a particular time, so that  you get an idea as to when to take your pet out to eliminate, as puppies are likely to release within 5 to 30 minutes after a meal. When your dog grows old he gains bladder control and may hold for longer but it is not in the case of small puppies.

b) Have specific timings to take your puppy out: Have fixed timings to take your puppy out to release. Ideally take them out once in the morning, after each meal, after having a nap, after play period and once before sleep at night.

c) Set up a command: While you set your dog's routine, you also should specify a command for your dog's potty time like, “GO POTTY”, “HURRY UP” or whatever floats your boat(get it?) Using the same command each time you reach the point you want them to eliminate will help your puppy associate the command with the act of eliminating.

d) Praise or cheer up once done: Praise them once they are done eliminating. Don't praise them too soon as some puppies are sensitive and might stop in between. Also you may give them some freedom to play after eliminating as that can also be a part of positive association with eliminating in the chosen spot.

2. DECIDING THE RIGHT SPOT TO ELIMINATE:

Your puppy doesn't know the right spot to pee or poop. You, being the adult in this dynamic, need to understand your dog's breed, age, size and accordingly decide a place for them to release that is convenient to both you and your pet.

a) Consider their bladder boundaries : Consider your puppy's age, and their ability to control the bladder while deciding the spot for them to release . The younger the puppy is the less will be their ability to control their bladder, and they are more likely to eliminate in the wrong place if you don't take them out on time or if they are not able to go to eliminate themselves.

Following is the information about the time a puppy can control its bladder according to their age :

Considering the age of the puppy you need to keep a check on the time they have to be taken out to eliminate, or have to be kept free if they go to their spot themselves.

After you are done house training, your puppy is likely to adapt to the routine and become mature about where they have to eliminate.

b) Consider your dog's breed: Larger dogs are generally easier to house train than small dogs due to the size of their bladder. Smaller dogs can also get to places where you cannot notice and can eliminate. To prevent this limit your dog's access to the whole house. You can do this by putting them into a crate. This also provides security when you are not around. But remember puppies under the age of 6 months should not be kept inside a crate for more than 3 to 4 hours.

c) Supervise closely: Supervise your puppy, their actions and what all they are trying to convey in order to reinforce the right spot. Always keep an eye on them at the time of house training. Lack of supervision can result in your puppy making mistakes and the process of house training will take more time. When you supervise your puppy, you get to know when they are making mistakes and you can stop them from doing so. You may issue a command when you see your puppy eliminating at home like ”NO” or “OUTSIDE”.

Hence, supervision is very important while house training so that you can stop your dog from eliminating at wrong places and your pet will then take less time to understand where the right spot is to “PEE” or “POOP”.

3. Supervising/Confining Puppies:

While it does sound like a cruel thing to do and as pet parents it initially breaks our heart to even think of “supervising” our puppies, it's an essential part of the process while training them.

a) Confine them: While house training, your dog should not have access to the whole house, as they still don't know where they should not eliminate. Your dog may still release in the house as they are still getting trained, therefore confine them to a dog proof environment (it can be away from carpets or away from the area that is difficult to clean). Tie them up to a piece of furniture with a leash which is about six foot if you are not actively playing with them. You can also use crates to confine them to one place to avoid any accidents. You will need to put them into the crate in future to take your puppy to the vet or to make them travel, so it's better if they become used to it in the initial stages. Just make sure that the crate you bring for them is appropriate according to their size.

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b) Use training pads: Training pads are made up of layers of absorbent material, and have the ability to soak up any kind of puppy mess. If you don't have a place to take them to eliminate or someone to take them out you may then use the training pads. This can also be used as an extra precaution if your puppy needs to go and cannot wait for you to take them out. You can put the training pad in a place where your puppy can defecate. 

c) Flap doors: If you are busy or in any case cannot take your puppy out every time, having a flap door makes it easy for your pup to access its peeing spot if it's placed outside the house. It's not usually possible for many Indian pet parents to have flap doors for your dog but wherever possible flap doors make your life easier. Keep an eye on your puppy and don't let them stay outside for long as there are plenty of unwanted and dangerous situations your pup may get into.

d) Identify the signs: The puppy may show some specific signs to let you know to take them out.  Such as : Barking, scratching the door, squatting, sniffing around or circling.

BONUS TIPS

a) Don't scold your puppy for accidents: It's only natural to have accidents(when puppies pee/poop in places they shouldn’t be). Give them time to learn and adapt to what you are teaching them. Avoid scolding them, because not only does is that not helpful, it can also lead to fear and other negative feelings associated to defecation which can have serious consequences in the longer term such as your puppy sneaking away to hidden areas and eliminating, scar on the bond between you and your pup and other behaviour problems.

b) Don't be surprised by some accidents: Your puppy may have accidents like eliminating in the wrong spot, even after you think your pet has been taught properly.

So don't be surprised about that. This can happen because of sexual maturity, curiosity, overwhelming need to go at the usual time or many other reasons.

Potty training is one of the most important aspects of keeping a dog. Initially might seem tiresome and difficult but with time and patience it is the one task that builds on everything else you’re going to teach your puppy. So hang in there, reach out to us if you feel stuck and we will connect you with our panel of experts to ease your journey as a pet parent.