Potty Training Tips for your New Puppy

We all know how tough potty training a puppy can be sometimes.

Here are a few tips we've found helpful.

Potty Bells can be purchased on Amazon and Chewy

Potty Bells: any variation of these door-hanging bells have been shown to reduce the time to train a puppy. It's a great option to give your puppy a solid way to notify you it's time to go outside.

Begin with taking your puppy's paw and swatting the bells to show him they make noise. Immediately take him outside to a potty spot. Soon he will learn the pattern and begin to tell you himself when it's time to go out by ringing the bells.

Scheduled feedings can lead to more predicable potty breaks

Monitor food and water intake. Feeding at scheduled times each day will ensure that potty time is also on schedule. Removing water an hour before bedtime will reduce the chances of night-time crate accidents.

Once a puppy is FULLY potty trained, you can try free feeding (leaving food out all the time) and/or more access to water. Be sure you understand your puppy's cues for potty if you are switching to a more relaxed feeding routine.

A Designated spot helps keep the yard clean too!

Pick a spot! Designating a spot in your yard for potty and walking your puppy (on a leash) to that same spot each time will quickly teach your puppy that it's not playtime. He will also recognize the smell in the area, which will encourage him to potty there.

Always remain calm and use positive reinforcements. Punishing your puppy after an accident will result in him hiding from you to potty.

Crating your puppy helps rest his mind and keep him out of trouble

Combine potty and crate training. Ensure there are no accidents, potty or otherwise, by crating your puppy when you are not actively engaging with him. Short breaks throughout the day help your puppy rest his mind as well as body and will make him a more trainable dog for life!