Toilet Training a Puppy

Puppy toilet training is an important part of raising a happy and well-behaved dog. It requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some steps and tips to help you with puppy toilet training:

Establish a Routine:

• Take your puppy outside to relieve themselves first thing in the morning, after eating, after playing, after naps and before bedtime.

• Puppies have small bladders, so they may need to go out every 1-2 hours during the day.

Choose a Designated Puppy Pad Area:

• There are going to be accidents inside the house during the early stages of toilet training. Puppy pads can help, create a designated toilet area that is easily accessible to the puppy. Overtime you can reduce the amount of puppy pads used and place close to the door to the garden to build association. Praise pup for using puppy pads but praise with an additional reward when going outside. Positive reinforcement is crucial!

Use a Cue Word:

• Choose a word or phrase (like "go toilet" or "be clean") that you use consistently when your puppy is doing their business. This will help them associate the cue with the action.

Supervise and Prevent Accidents:

• Keep a close eye on your puppy when they are indoors. If you can't supervise, use a crate to keep them safe. You should not leave your puppy in a crate for long periods of time.

• Look for signs that your puppy needs to go, such as sniffing, circling, or whining, and take them outside immediately.

Clean Accidents Promptly:

• If your puppy has an accident indoors, clean it up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. This helps prevent your puppy from using the same spot again.

Avoid Punishment:

• Never scold or punish your puppy for accidents. It can create anxiety and make the training process more challenging. Mistakes should be ignored (not punished nor praised) and cleaned promptly following advice above.

Gradually Extend Time Between Breaks:

• As your puppy grows and gains better bladder control, you can extend the time between toilet breaks. If you're waking at night or early hours to let your puppy out, you can start getting up around 20 minutes later each week (going at pups pace can be a trial and error phase to get timings right).

Consistency and Being Patient is Key:

• Stick to a consistent schedule and reinforce the training until your puppy consistently goes outside.

Seek Professional Help if Needed:

• If you're having difficulty with toilet training, consider consulting a professional dog trainer for guidance. I can help you here at Bond Furever Dog Training. I hold a Level 3 Puppy Training Specialist Certification.

Remember, every puppy is different, and the time it takes for them to become reliably toilet trained can vary. Be patient and consistent, and your puppy will eventually learn the routine. Celebrate their successes, and don't get discouraged by occasional setbacks.