How to Potty Train your Pup

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Dog will not always recognize potty pads as an acceptable place to do their business. In order to train them to use the pads correctly, you should place the pad in the same place until they learn to recognize the pad as a “Potty Spot.” Dogs won’t pee on the pad properly at first. With a little training and patience though, your pup can become a pad master in no time!

 

Choosing the Right Time to Train
It is very important to note the age of your dog at the time they begin pad training.

Puppies should be trained in accordance with their age:
3 months = approximately once every 3 hours,
4 months = approximately once every 4 hours.

Look for Signs That They Need to Go

  • Smelling the floor. Dog may look to go if they don’t feel comfortable in a new environment.

  • Circling. Dogs often decide to go when circling an object/room repeatedly.

  •  After waking up.

  • Shortly after drinking water

  • After eating

  • After an extended time playing/running about

  • After getting excited/worked up

 

Don’t Move the Pad During Training
Your dog won’t remember where to relieve themselves overnight. Until they learn how to use the pad, it is important not to relocate their “bathroom.” If you must move the pad, make sure to make a point of showing your dog where it is a few times.

 

Giving Praise
If your dog uses their pad properly, give them a treat and praise them. When training it is key to give praise in the 3 second window after they have done their business, otherwise the dog may not recognize why they are being praised.

 

Training with Bathroom Commands
Developing commands for your dog while potty training can help make “going” more efficient when out in public (parks, doggy day care, etc.), so your dog does not get confused about where to go.

 

Keep the Stress to a Minimum
It is important for both owners and their dogs not to stress out due to potty training. If your dog gets too nervous, they may develop bad habits/routines. Keeping potty training stress free will encourage your furry friend to do their business the right way, every time!