Learning how to potty train a puppy actually begins with learning how to train yourself to properly potty train a puppy! The recipe is simple, once you understand how it’s done and devote yourself to getting it done, you’ll have a potty trained puppy in no time. This is my no-nonsense article to help ensure you understand how it’s done – with positive methods that don’t require punishment, reprimands or other extra, non-potty-training hooplah.
First let’s get a couple of quick common questions out of the way.
Ahh, this is the question most new puppy owners and owners-to-be have on their minds – often asked out of educational interest or because they’re smack dab in the middle of puppy potty training turmoil and need some reinforcing support. Knowing how long it takes might calm the nerves but won’t help get the job done.
The honest answer is it depends on the puppy and the puppy owner. The real question should be, “How long does it take to train a puppy with a good understanding of puppy housebreaking and using the correct techniques?” That question is a lot more accurate, yet the answer’s still the same – it depends on the puppy and the puppy owner.
I’m not playing with you. It truly isn’t a numbers game. There are too many variables at play. I will say that if you follow everything we teach at HBD, it won’t take very long. You will see REAL results in a couple of weeks and be well on your way within a few weeks. If it helps to know – we used the Crate Training System and had Halle crate trained and house trained in less than a month. It can be done even quicker or it can take longer depending on how much you stretch and bend the important parts. If you’ve got a concise plan and plan to do it the right way, go in expecting a time length of 2-3 solid weeks. You won’t be too far from your desired goals after that so there’s no point in looking beyond that period. Motivate yourself by making it a 2-3-week mission and see where you and your puppy stand. Make the minor adjustments or stick to the plan a little longer and you’ll be reinforcing potty in all the right places in no time.
Again too many variables at play! Keep reading, take important notes and apply the information I’m sharing with you through this post and key articles I recommend reading.
5 Puppy Potty Training Principles
1. If your puppy does business in the wrong place, YOU have to take all responsibilities. You should NEVER punish, hurt or get upset at your puppy for making mistakes. Your puppy truly doesn’t know any better or could have learned that it’s the safest place to go given past punishments. You need to ensure that all associations with you are positive associations. Punishment is counter-intuitive and your puppy is likely to have no clue why he’s getting punished.
2. Control the environment. Don’t give your puppy any more space than he needs. You definitely don’t want to give him free run of the house during the potty training stage. Using a dog crate and creating a puppy safe space in your home is vital. You have to be in control of the environment so you can take control of the double P’s – peeing and pooping! Always keep a watchful eye and be sure to get your puppy out to the desired location so you can reinforce the ideal outcome with a reward – praise and treat.
3. Praise and Treat like a crazy person. If your puppy does business in the right spot whether it’s in a designated indoor area or somewhere outside, praise and treat with gusto. Get high pitched with your voice and really make sure your puppy knows you’re extremely proud of his actions. This will help reinforce the behavior and ensure the outcome re-occurs more frequently until it becomes a wonderful habit.
4. If you catch your puppy making a mistake – not after the fact but as it is occurring – you can peacefully interrupt the behavior and rush your puppy to the desired spot and reinforce successful potty with praise and treats. Don’t panic or scare the puppy. Simply redirect your puppy to remind him where champions do their business.
5. Don’t take accidents personally. Don’t think your puppy has some agenda or spiteful attitude towards your expensive shoes or designer rug. The material things that we value have no equal significance to a puppy. The puppy is just looking for a safe place to let it out and your job is to teach your puppy what is safe. Toss your human rules and expectations out the window and learn techniques that work with puppies. Learn the sweet science of puppy potty training. Besides, why did the accident occur in the first place??? Please re-read principles 1 through 4.
Learning how to potty train a puppy the positive way using the sweet science and logic is serious business. It takes a solid understanding of not only the key principles I’ve outlined in this article but of the entire process. It requires dedication and practical application from you, the dog owner. We like to think of potty training a puppy to be a healthy mix of time, patience, labor, love, with a tiny dose of turbulence. It can go really smooth at times and can also be hectic. Minimizing the headaches and unnecessary stress is what separates the knowledgeable puppy potty trainers from the confused ones. I’m not trying to shock you or anything, I’m just telling it like it is – no BS!
Don’t fret, HBD has puppy training covered. The good news is that everything you need to know about how to train a puppy to potty train is available right here.
We realize how important housebreaking your puppy is and we understand that for many, it’s one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to training a puppy. Nobody wants a messy, untrained puppy yet many folks get all messed up in the process.
Crate Training and Potty Training are like Ying and Yang. That’s why we spent hours writing our complete Crate Training Puppies walkthrough. It’s packed with more than 6000 words offering you a play by play on how you can successfully potty train your puppy with all the important considerations in mind. We’ve explained not only how it works but why it works so you can be confident it will work for you. Once you’re done with this article, make sure you give that one a careful read. If you have any questions, just post them in the comments.
If you’re planning and maybe already using pads to housebreak your puppy be sure to read our Puppy Training Pads article. Though we’re all for crate training, puppy pads can be used for establishing a suitable potty area in your puppy safe space when you have to be away from home and/or your puppy.
Don’t think twice about housetraining your puppy with a crate. There are countless reasons why crate training is your golden potty training ticket. If you’re doubtful about crates or don’t like them, please get over it. The methods are positive and humane and will not harm your puppy or require punishments or other unpleasant tactics.
Remember that taking a little time to learn how to potty train a puppy before getting your puppy will really help establish what works for your family and eliminate most of the second guessing. This will help your puppy eliminate without worry in all the right places.
Thanks for reading. Don’t forget to leave a comment!
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