Do Talk to Your Puppy
Effective communication is everything when first learning how to potty train a puppy.
Using the same word ("potty") to your puppy will help reinforce your communication. Use that word each time you take your puppy to the designated toilet area.
Use a cheerful voice to praise your puppy when they've successfully used the potty in the correct area. Again, stay consistent with your language. "Well done" is an easy phrase for your puppy to understand.
Do Stay Consistent
Your puppy will learn the purpose of different areas if you are consistent. Puppies won't want to leave a mess in their sleeping spot. So always provide the same sleeping area or bed and ensure your puppy uses it every night.
Similarly, take your puppy to the exact location each time they need a toilet. Your pet will quickly learn to associate that area with potty training, which will speed up the process. We designed our Puppypads for this situation.
Do Look for Signals
Your puppy will probably try different ways to communicate that they need the toilet - so don't miss these essential clues! Here are some of the most common signs to look out for:
- Barking or whining
- Circling a space or appearing agitated and unrelaxed
- Smelling the floor around them
- Scratching, especially scratching near a door
Always watch your puppy; immediately take them to their toilet area if you see these signs. Stick with this, even if you find that your puppy didn't relieve themselves on most occasions.
Don't Give Up
Potty training might seem daunting if you haven't had a puppy before.
So you might make some mistakes along the way, but that's okay. Keep learning, whether reading posts, buying a book on puppy potty training tips, or watching a training video.
If something isn't working, don't give up. It might mean you need to switch to a slightly different approach. Some background knowledge will help you there.
Don't Scold
Puppies will make mistakes; as an owner, it's easy to get frustrated if you have to clean up after them.
But puppies are quick to pick up on their owner's emotions, and adverse reactions will make them fearful the next time they need to go to the toilet.
Instead, focus on praising the puppy when they have done well, and when they've made a mistake, clean up and move on swiftly.
Potty Training Your Puppy: The Stress-Free Way
Potty training your puppy might seem like an impossible challenge. But by sticking with a few rules and staying consistent, you'll master it in no time.
For a fast and mess-free solution for puppy potty training, head to our shop to browse our range of puppy potty training pads.