New Puppy Potty Training

Hi MB,

When we got our puppy in February, I kept him on a strict schedule. He ate, went out to potty, then played, potty again, then was put in his crate to rest. We always took him out the same door, so he knows which door to scratch at. We kept him confined to the hardwood floors so if he had accident, it was easy to clean. Lucky for us, he only ever had one accident!

We also left him in his crate all night from the first night he came home. Our breeder said that puppies are just like kids - if you go to them in the middle of the night, they'll want you to do it every night. Our puppy never had an accident at night either. I believe my husband took him out at 10pm and I let him out at 6am.

Best of luck and enjoy!!!

M.

Constantly take the puppy out (after meals, after an hour....when they start sniffing in circles...etc) ...then praise, praise praise! Our dog was 8 weeks old when we brought her home and we began training this year on the COLDEST day of the year - January 24th! We were able to train our dog in two weeks but someone was home during the day, at all times. We have a Goldendoodle and read that, hanging a bell on the back door or whatever door you'll be going out, is a good way to train them. It was. There were times she rang the bell just to play and we secretly took the bell away for a short while, then returned it. After 4 months, the bell went away..she lets us know in her own way that she has to go out. Since you will be letting her out a lot, just keep a sweater w/ a small bag of treats in the pocket. You'll put the sweater on and say..."let's go potty" or whatever you'll say, and your puppy will begin to make the association.

Also, if you are crate training, only give her enough room to sleep. If she has more, she will go in her crate (learned that the hard way!) If she just has enough room, dogs won't soil an area that they sleep in.

My two favorite dog tips - learned from our 12 year old neighbor girl: Our dog is 11 months old now and still loves her crate. Our neighbor girl taught us to cover up her crate with a blanket at night...same concept that you would do for a bird cage. Settles the puppy down quickly. And second....touch their paws and pat her ears alot (if it's a floppy-eared dog) It keeps them from getting snappy about it when they are older, especially if they are getting their nails clipped or young children play with their feet. Have fun and enjoy the pup! Potty training...I'm guessing the puppy may potty train first - you can hopefully conquer this in a couple weeks (give or take a few accidents)! P.S. What kind of dog???

Everyones advice has been great but the other thing that I learned in class was ---do not touch your pet outside until they use. Then you can play with them all you want. The crate thing was true for us--we have a boxer and he had a big crate and woudl use in it--they said to either put a box in there to make up for the extra space or to configure somethign that would make the space smaller until he grew to his cage.

I am just laughing over here, because I am in the same boat as you right now, with a 9 week old puppy, and a 29 month old son. I definitely think the puppy will be trained before my son, especially since my older boys were both 3 when they self trained. lol

We have been taking our puppy out right away when he wakes up, right after her eats, and about every 30 minutes during his awake time. We have also been takign his food and water from him after 8:30 at night, so he doesn't have any accidents overnight. Godo luck to you!

DO:
Use a crate
Take him out after every meal and after playing
Be consistent on a schedule

DON'T:
Use paper
Leave water out for him to drink at will

Michelle's advice was perfect.

Good luck.

I completely agree with all the other advice you have recieved but have one thing to add.

Use a "trigger" word. Every time you take your puppy outside use a word like "go potty" repeatedly. Once your pup actually goes, immediately praise, using the trigger word (good potty, good potty) and give a treat to the pup (I would suggest sneaking one into your pocket so the dog does not know you have it outside. It may destract them). Do this each and every time and your pup will not only potty train easier, but also eventually potty on demand. This is VERY helpful when Illnois winter hits!

I trained my pup this way and now when i say "potty" she jumps up and waits for me to let her out. She then goes right out, does her business, and comes back to the door.