Preparing To Potty Train Your Puppy: What To Expect

You'll need to be able to control your puppy's feeding schedule. Puppies need to relieve themselves about an hour after feeding. If you always feed him at the same time, he will always go the bathroom at the same time. Don't let your puppy have constant access to food and water (except in hot weather when water is a necessity). Only leave food out for half an hour at a time. Make sure you don't feed your puppy a big meal right before bedtime. Encourage routine in your puppy's mealtimes.

Prepare yourself to take your puppy to relieve himself after every activity . . . Whether it's the first thing in the morning, after feeding, napping, drinking or playing. If you notice your puppy sniffing around or circling, take him outside (or to his inside "spot") immediately. These behaviors usually indicate he needs to relieve himself.

If you have a yard, choose an area outside you want your dog to use for elimination. If you're an apartment-dweller with no quick, convenient access to the outside, choose a "potty spot" in your home. [You'll need to limit your puppy's access to all areas of your house. When your puppy makes a mess in an undesignated spot inside (and he will!), clean it up immediately and try to rid the area of the odor.]

The bottomline . . . always take your puppy to the designated spot when you take him to relieve himself. He will soon recognize the familiar smell and go to this place of his own accord. Make sure your puppy can easily access this area on his own.

Always, always praise your puppy when when he does the right thing or shows elimination behaviors in the right place.

Potty training your puppy sucessfully is an important step in the developing a healthy, life-long relationship with your new furry friend.