Potty training your puppy is one of the most important things you can do. It requires patience and consistency.
There is no one answer that fits all when it comes to potty training. While many dogs are potty-trained within a couple of weeks, they will still have accidents in the first year.
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
There is no definitive answer to the question of how long it will take to train a puppy. It all depends on what training method you use.
If you are consistent in potty-training your puppy, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks for him to be mostly house-trained.
I say this because you need to be realistic and realize that accidents can still occur in the first couple of months, even when your dog has an excellent grasp on potty-training.
The tips listed below can help you house-train your dog in a short time.
Tips on Potty Training your Puppy
Consistency and prevention are the keys to potty-training your puppy.
The earlier you can teach your dog to go potty outside, the sooner they will learn that this is the right place for them.
Have someone around to supervise them for the first week or two
Puppies cannot hold their bladders long, so having someone take them out during the first two weeks will be a great help when training.
When it comes to teaching children, prevention is the key. When you praise your dog for going potty outdoors, it's easier than punishing him if he has an accident inside.
You can teach your dog to use the bathroom outside right away by having someone with you for a few weeks.
It's easier said than done but by consistently praising and rewarding your dog every time he or she pooped or peed outside, they will quickly learn that the bathroom is outdoors.
Tip Use a leash or tether for supervision in the first week.
If they have an accident indoors, don't rely on punishment
When potty-training your puppy, you should avoid using punishments and expecting your pup to understand your wishes.
Your dog may feel bad for peeing in the house if you yell, but they won't understand what to do unless you demonstrate.
You can take your dog outside if you catch them in the act. Praise them wildly if they complete the task.
Maintain a Consistent Routine for Your Dog
Consistency is key to potty-training.
It will not only help your dog learn what is expected of them but also make potty-training easier for you, as you'll know when they require potty breaks during the day.
You can take your dog out for a potty-break at:
- When they awaken in the morning
- After they have eaten
- After a play or walk session
- They get up after a nap
- Before bedtime
You'll be able to tell after a few days how often your dog has to poop and pee. Also, you will know what signs to look out for, such as barking, circling, or sniffing.
Every time they pee or poop outside, make it a party
You might start to look crazy to your neighbors, but you need to praise them every time they poop or pee outside. This will encourage them to do the same thing again.
Tell them you're proud of them and play with them for a few minutes to show your happiness. Teach your children that potty time outside is party time.
Make sure to clean any areas where they had an accident indoors.
If accidents are bound to happen, you should invest in a good enyzmatic dog odor remover that will help to prevent your pet from eliminating at the same place over and over.
The odors from the accident will stay, and your dog will think it is a great place to use the bathroom.
Accidents will happen
Remember that accidents will happen, particularly in the first few weeks. It's part of normal housebreaking.
Keep working at the potty-training process. Your pup will soon be housebroken.