10 Puppy Potty Training Hacks Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

Potty training a puppy can be frustrating. Every dog is different, and they all learn at different rates. If you’re going through puppy blues right now, being frustrated with the young dog, the below tips should help even with the most stubborn pups. While these hacks are effective, they aren’t going to help if you aren’t consistent and patient with your pet. House training a puppy won’t happen overnight. For the most stubborn puppies, it may take months of training before they are 100% potty trained.

1. Create a designated potty area for your puppy

This could be a spot in the yard or a small patch of artificial turf. Whenever you take your pup outside, bring them to this area first so they can learn that this is where they should go to the bathroom.

2. Use a leash when taking your puppy outside

This will help you keep them focused on the task at hand and prevent them from getting distracted and wandering off.

3. Invest in some quality dog treats that your puppy loves

When they go to the bathroom in the designated area, be sure to give them a treat so they associate going potty with a positive experience.

4. Use a consistent schedule for taking your puppy outside

If they know when to expect to go out, they will be less likely to have accidents in the house.

5. Avoid punishment

One of the most common mistakes new dog owners make is to punish their puppy when they have an accident in the house. This will only serve to confuse and scare the puppy, making it more difficult to potty train them. Avoid punishment and instead focus on reinforcing positive behaviors. Every time your puppy goes potty in their designated spot, give them lots of praise and a treat. This will help them to associate going potty with something positive, making it more likely that they’ll want to do it again.

6. Be patient!

Potty training takes time and patience. If you stay consistent and positive, your puppy will eventually get the hang of it.

7. Potty time after food and drinks

One of the most important things to remember when potty training a puppy is that they will need to go after eating or drinking. This means that you’ll need to take them out first thing in the morning, as well as 30 minutes to an hour after each meal. For most puppies, this will be enough to avoid accidents.

8. Potty after playing

Another important time to take your puppy out is after they’ve been playing. Puppies are full of energy and need to burn it off, but this also means that they’ll need to go to the bathroom more often. After each play session, take your puppy out so they can relieve themselves.

9. Use a command such as “go potty”

When you take your pup outside to do their business. This will help them associate the words with the action, and eventually they’ll start to understand what you’re asking of them. Be consistent with the command, and always use the same phrase so they don’t get confused.

10. Verbal cue or hand signal

Many dogs respond better to visual cues, so this can be helpful in getting their attention. Use a simple signal such as pointing to the ground or patting your leg. Again, be consistent with the signal you use so they understand what you’re asking of them.

These puppy potty training hacks should help you get started on the process. Remember to be consistent, use positive reinforcement, and be patient. With time and patience, your puppy will be fully potty trained in no time!