Top Tips For Potty Training a Puppy - Housetrain Your Dog in No Time!
Potty training a puppy or dog is not really difficult, but it can be stressful, so I decided to make this lens on "tips for potty training a puppy" based on my own experience and a few things I picked up from others along the way
If you have any specific questions about house training your dog, I would love to try and help. If you have a Squidoo account (it costs nothing to join and you can sign up here), you can either post your question in my guestbook on this lens or contact me and I will get back to you.
I have a dog training questions & answer website too, where you can get help with your own dog training problems. Just click on the link below to ask your dog training questions on my Dog Training blog
If you like this lens, why not take a look at my Lensography and other Dog lenses:
Adopt A Dog - Save A Life
best way to house train an adult dog
Dog Training: Teach Yourself to Train Your Dog
Jack Russell Terriers
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Free Tips For Potty Training a Puppy
Free Housetraining Guide for Readers of My Blog and Lenses
If you are new to dog ownership, or just need a bit of a refresher on potty training your dog, then follow the link to get your free copy of myDog House Training Guide
The link takes you to a direct file access page - no autoresponder signup or personal information needed from you at all!
Recommended Guides for Toilet Training Your Dog
There are only two!
The ebook is The Ultimate Housetraining Guide and the paper back is "Housebreak Your Dog In 7 Days" by Shirlee Kalstone. They both cover just about everything you need to know, including schedules and dealing with dogs of all ages. I really cannot find fault in either guide, and both are based on positive training methods.
When time allows, I am going to create a review lens for each book, but as I have just adopted my new Lab, Harley, I am putting most of my free time into training and bonding with him
How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days (Revised)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/09/2009) 
Top 5 Tips For Potty Training a Puppy
Bringing a puppy into your family does not come without its trials and tribulations. Follow these 5 easy tips for potty training a puppy and you can at least alleviate one area of stress from both you and your new pup.#1. Keep your pup in an area where it's okay for accidents to happen - a room with a tiled floor is ideal. If not, make an area by laying polythene sheeting, covered with newspaper, over the carpet and cordon that area off. Until she is making progress, limit all play to this area too - this will give her something to aim for. This cordoned area also gives you the reinforcement that you don't need to "go nuts" when accidents occur, as you will be expecting mess here.
#2. One of the most important tips for potty training a puppy is to always use positive discipline - never EVER spank your puppy just because she has had a little accident. Nor should you rub her muzzle in the mess. Lively praise, a hug and/or a little food treat will make more progress than any form of punishment.
#3. Stick to a toilet routine. Puppies need to eliminate much more often than older dogs, so it is important that you make sure she is allowed to "go" every couple of hours. It is not her fault if she makes a mess just because you were too busy watching the end of the game or couldn't miss seeing whether Dolores & Brad got together at the end of your favorite TV show.
#4. As you reduce the size of the "mess zone", use a little deterrent aerosol on the areas you have just uncovered, so the scent is masked
#5. Be patient! It can take a little while before things come together, but taking the time to potty train your puppy correctly will pay dividends as she matures to an adult dog.
Toilet training your dog is not as difficult as you might expect. By following these 5 tips for potty training a puppy, you should not go far wrong and can relax and enjoy the time spent with your new family member.
Potty training is just the start of many things a dog has to learn so that life runs smoothly. Getting this right is the first step to being a successful owner/trainer. As well as the tips in this lens, you can also take online courses to learn advanced house training techniques
Pitfalls of Potty Training a Puppy or Dog
Just What Are The Hurdles You May Need to Jump?
Like I said earlier in the lens, potty training a puppy does not have to be difficult, but there are some common problems you need to watch out for that may take more work or professional help to fix...
Issues Inherent to Breed or Type of Dog
Dogs were bred for many different types of "job". Not all were meant to live indoors and the breeding lines have reflected this. Here are the most common breed/type related housetraining problems you might come across:
- Small dogs need to go more often, so cannot hold out for long periods due to small bladders
- Terrier types are prone to "mark" a lot more often than other breeds
- Scent hounds (Basset Hounds, Daschunds, Fox terriers) are very focussed and aware when outdoors - but not about going to pee! They need a little more disciplined training to make sure they actually do their business when you let them out
- Some breeds mature much later than others, so make sure your dog does not fall into this group unless you are prepared for up to 18 months of cleaning up
Medical Issues
- Age - very young dogs and very old dogs can both suffer from lack of bladder control
- Diabetes can increase the amount of times your dog needs to go - just like us humans
- Post operative recovery can cause problems with housebreaking, especially after spaying or neutering. Another common medical reason for incontinence is if your dog has a UTI
If you are in the least bit unsure about whether your dog's problems are medical or not, go see your vet as soon as possible for a professional diagnosis
Behavioral/Temperamental Issues
This is almost undoubtedly the most common area for toilet training problems. Here are the main things you should look out for:
- Separation anxiety - you may need to bring in a professional behaviorist to deal with this issue
- Excitement or submissive urination - this one takes work to combat, but you can overcome using consistent training and dealing with the root cause first
- Marking - see "Terriers" above! Also more common with intact male dogs
Further Reading
If you are determined to do all the necessary training for your dog, then the two most useful "guides" I have reviewed are Daniel Stevens' Sit Stay Fetch and Chet Womach's Dog Training Secret. Both offer free taster guides and email courses as well as paid online courses and downloadable books
Latest Posts On My Dog Training Blog
Yes, I provide information elsewhere too!
To ask your own dog training question, go to the dog training questions page
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House Training A Puppy When You Are Working
Yes - it can be done!
As I mentioned, it is not ideal to bring a puppy into your home if there is no one around to give it companionship (and boundaries) during such a formative time. My first recommendation would be to THINK HARD about whether the time is right to get a dog in the first place and that you take time to choose the right type of dog. Set aside your own emotions (and perhaps, also, pressure from the kids) and work out if you have the time necessary to give a dog the training needed. Ask yourself these questions:
- Will I really have the patience to not get annoyed if I come home from a hard day at the office and have to clean up dog mess?
- Can I find time during working hours to come home and let the dog out?
- If Not, is there someone who can do it for me?
If you are able to honestly answer yes to them, then you can learn how to house train a puppy and be able to teach your dog other lessons that need to be taught.
Here are my five steps on how to house train a puppy when you are working:
1) Plan everything with military precision, right down to the time of year you get your dog. Bring her home during the summer months, so that you are not inclined to rush the outside toilet time.
2) Bring your new puppy home during a period When your working life be less hectic - ideally when you have a couple of weeks holiday. That would be most ideal, as puppy house training can be completed in just a couple of weeks when done properly.
3) If you cannot get time off, plan it so that your older kids are off school so they can help with the training while you are out at work.
4) Discuss the training regime with other family members so that the training is consistent, even if the trainer is different!
5)Because time will be a major factor, read up on the most effective techniques by signing up for a training course before you get your dog. This will mean you can house train a puppy when you are working with as little stress and hassle as possible. I have created a lens on Squidoo specifically about house training dogs, so you will also be able to get some tips by visiting there.
Potty training your puppy is not that difficult. If you combine the latest techniques with my additional tips on how to house train a puppy when you are working, both you and your dog will have a great life together.
Getting Your Puppy To Use A Training Pad (Mat)
Using a puppy pad is just like paper training, but instead of newspaper, you buy a specially designed pad that absorbs liquid in the same way a diaper does. The better ones also give off a special scent that encourages the dog to toilet on it.
To start with, you need to confine your dog to a puppy pen or a small room. Put his bed and water bowl in one corner, and the pad as far away from them as possible.
Follow the schedules I talked about earlier, and make sure you watch the pup for any signs he wants to go. Lead him to the pad straight away and let him pee there, then praise him and make a fuss when he is done. For the time being, do not replace the pad unless it is saturated.
Each time he wants to pee, give him a chance to see if he heads towards the pad, and if not, help guide him there. Eventually he will get the message and you can then start using smaller pads with a view to moving on to the next stage of training if you eventually want him to start going outside...
Housetraining supplies on eBay
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Get Your Dog to Ring A Bell When He Wants to Go Potty
This Guy Teaches You How
Chet Womach uses positive training methods for training both dogs and parrots!
In his "Hands Off" Dog Training course (audio seminar and videos), he outlines how to teach your dog to signal his need for a toilet break by ringing a bell.
You can see him in action teaching his new puppy here: (you will probably have to click twice to play the video). The video only lasts about ten minutes, but you can really see how effective this type of training can be - whether it be for potty training a puppy or adult dog, or general obedience and behavior training.
Have Your Own Question About House Training A Puppy?
Ask it here and I will do my best to answer it in this lens
If you have a specific question about house training your dog, leave your message here and I will do my best to provide an answer for you (if it helps, don't forget to rate the lens!). Squidoo members can also use this link to Contact Me with any questions. If you haven't yet joined Squidoo, you can do so Here
Most housebreaking problems can be overcome using the tips from the either the free report below or Ultimate House Training Guide from the publishers of Sit, Stay, Fetch
sandyspider wrote...
Nice information. We are pass that stage. But I do know that a lot of people go at it the wrong way.
Posted February 01, 2009
CoolFoto wrote...
Great help here. 5* and lensroll to www.squidoo.com/dogpets
Posted January 30, 2009
CdaParrot wrote...
Great lense! That video looks like Chet from http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com I have found his information very useful!
Posted January 06, 2009
zimzamzim
Puppies always need to 'go' when they wake up. I have a golden labrador pup, and he has not messed in the house once! This is because I am always aware of what he is up to, and as soon as he wakes from a sleep I take him outside for a pee. After a meal I stay out a bit longer, as he usually needs to do a 'poo' after eating. He is only 8 weeks old, and already he takes himself outside to do his 'business'!
Posted December 01, 2008
Should I Trust Advice On Puppy Toilet Training?
The short answer is 'no'. Although most of the advice on puppy toilet training you will be offered is likely to be given with all the best intentions, some people still believe that the most effective training is to punish when the desired action is not met, ie, your dog pees or poops inside the house.
Let's be clear. Rubbing your dog's snout in it's own waste is not productive. In time, your dog will also learn that it can be a tactic for getting attention from you, or will learn to sneak away and do their business in secret places.
Hitting dogs is also a big no-no, as it can lead to other behavior problems later in life.
The best advice on puppy toilet training does not have to come from professional trainers. If you are offered advice from someone who breeds dogs, or the lady in the park you have seen with her dogs for the last few years, then it is likely that their advice will not only be reliable, but also effective.
Dog owner forums are also a great source of help with puppy toilet training, especially if the breed of dog you have is notoriously difficult to teach.
One of the best sources of advice on puppy toilet training for me has been interactive online training guides - in particular the Ultimate House Training Guide from the creators of "Sit Stay Fetch". The material is easy to understand, and you usually get access to free personal advice from professional trainers if you come into difficulties. This advice would normally cost you hundreds of dollars, yet even the most expensive online methods are usually between $20 and $75 one time payment.
So, back to the question - should you trust advice on puppy toilet training? If you use your common sense, and note the 'must nots' I have described, you will instinctively know which advice is sound and which should be avoided like the plague.
Video Tips for Potty Training a Puppy
Which Puppy House Training Methods Have You Tried?
If you want more information about any of these methods, the Ultimate House Training Guide is a great resource to find out
Vote For Your Favorite Potty Training Site
Do you have a secret site full of dog house training tips? Don't be mean - share it with us here!
Sit Stay Fetch: The Ultimate Dog Training Guide
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Recommended Reading for Successful Dog House Training
Only 96 pages, but covers just about everything
To buy this book from Amazon.com, click the picture at the bottom. UK visitors can get it from Amazon.co.uk here: How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days (Revised)
How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days (Revised)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/09/2009)
This book will help anyone having trouble house training any dog!
Guestbook/Comments: Let Me Know What You Think
Ratings also gratefully received!
Thanks for taking the time to read through my Puppy Potty Training lens. Please take a minute to leave a message here and let me know what you thought of this lens, or if there is any other information you would like to see here.
Also feel free to Contact Me with any questions
eddygobbo wrote...
Great lens! Puppies certainly need positive guidance. Feel free to check out my doggie lens with the very clever dog balancing on a ball.
Posted August 28, 2008
Dogwhispers wrote...
Great lens Aslad...I'm just beginning to create my own lens and need to see some of these that are well put together so I can fix my 'beginner' lens up to snuff. Thanks for the insights.
Posted August 10, 2008
JeremyLooi wrote...
Love this lens, I've subscribe to your newsletter for dog training questions. Thanks for it. If you get chance, feel free to visit my
potty training puppiesblog.
Posted August 09, 2008
go206th wrote...
Great Lens. 5* I just adopted a new pup, and it looks like I will be using a lot of your information. Thanks for the great info.
Posted July 30, 2008
jasmineann wrote...
Great sound advice,thankyou for sharing this. 5 stars and lensrolling to Goldies lens. Goldie was 6 months old when we got him and was housetrained but I recall going through housetraining with my first pup and it is so important to use positive methods and patience.
Posted July 12, 2008
EliteClubs wrote...
This lens is great, very informative, thank you.
Eliteclubs
Email Marketing Elite
Posted April 17, 2008
lvcjmac wrote...
I saw the link to your lens in the Get Ratings, Give Ratings! and I find it to be quite interesting. There's a lot of good information to weed through and it's really well written. I gave you a 5 star rating and I'm hoping you can find the time to visit my lens.
Posted March 18, 2008
Dog-Trainer wrote...
Great detailed information - stuff everyone should know if they are considering adding to their "family"! Thanks for sharing!
Posted February 27, 2008
alslad wrote...
Thanks for the comment and rating tplus! - I'm working on a module or two covering the points you mentioned, so thanks for the feedback
Posted February 23, 2008
tplus wrote...
Welcome to Get Ratings, Give Ratings! This is a great lens, having 2 dogs myself I know how hard it can be to potty train them!
Another thing that may want to mention in her is causes of your dog still not able to hold their potty after a long time of training. I know with my little puppy I trained her forever the same way I had trained my other dog before but she just didn't seem to get it. After awhile she was still going in the house several times a day, even with taking her out every single hour! Finally I went to the vet because I just couldn't take all the messes any more. After doing some tests they found that she had high PH levels and a slight bladder infection. The day I started her on some prescription dog food and antibiotics, she stopped completly. She hasn't had an accident since. So for all you reading this, if it's been six months and your dog is still going take them to the vet cause there may be another cause!
Posted February 23, 2008
UK Dog Welfare Charity
Give a Dog A Home
If you live in the UK and are looking for a new dog, please consider getting him or her from Dogs Trust. All dogs are vet checked, assessed for behavioral issues, spayed or neutered and microchipped. To top it all off, you also get six weeks free insurance and a bag of super premium dog food to take them home with!They are a very worthwhile charity to support and the donation of time can be just as important as cash. You could volunteer to be a walker or fundraiser. I have also created a Dogs Trust Lens: Adopt a Dog to get the word out about Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust Appeal
Dogs Trust is a really worthwhile charity if you are able to support them. Your time is just as valuable to them as your money, so if you live near one of their centres, why not call in and ask them how you can help...
Why not take a look at my Dogs Trust Lens: Adopt a Dog for more info on how you can help
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