How to Potty Train a Puppy the Easy Way

Everyone will probably try to tell how to potty train a puppy, even those who have never had a dog but there are right and wrong, easy and hard ways. Potty training a puppy does not have to be nearly as difficult as some will have you believe. As long as you are consistent, patient and go about it the right way, it can be an enjoyable, exciting and rewarding experience for you and your pet.

When you learn methods on how to potty train a puppy, the most important thing you can remember is to never scold or hit your dog. Not only is it absolutely not acceptable behavior, it will get you nowhere in training. Your puppy wants to make you happy but even when he learns to go outside, accidents are bound to happen. Keep in mind when potty training a puppy that the process is not a race and all puppies learn at their own pace, just like humans.

When to Begin

An important thing you should know when learning the right way how to potty train a puppy is that the process begins the minute you bring him home. Yes, everyone in the house probably wants to meet him but potty training should begin immediately, especially if you just had a long, exciting car ride.

If you're wondering how to potty train a puppy immediately, this does not mean opening the door and giving him the whole backyard to run through. Put him on a leash (carry him if you have steps and he's small) and walk him to the area of the yard where you want him to do his business. Choose this spot wisely because you are going to take him there every single time. This will teach him that when he is brought to this area, he is to go potty but when he is allowed to roam freely, it's playtime.

If you are consistent taking your puppy to this location, he will return to his scent and then you won't have piles all over the yard to clean, they'll be contained in one area.

Set a Schedule

The next thing that will make your life a little easier when you're potty training is to set a schedule, a realistic one! Begin by taking the puppy outside every hour and very gradually increase this. He will learn that there is a pattern and even if he has to go, he will start to make the attempt to hold it because he'll be confident that he'll be let out soon.

Use a Command Word

You need to choose an easy command when potty training a puppy such as Go potty or Hurry up. Make a point to say this command when you're outside in his special area and when he actually relieves himself. This way, he'll associate the command with the action so later when you're inside and say Go potty, he'll know to go to the door.

Provide Plenty of Praise

Your furry friend wants to make you happy so if you are learning how to potty train a puppy, you can speed up the process by providing plenty of praise. After your puppy goes potty where he is expected to, praise him and give him a treat so he associates the reward with the command and the action. When he realizes that going to the bathroom outside will get him a lot of love and a special treat, he will make every effort to only go outside.

Potty training a puppy is a special time for both of you. Getting frustrated or upset with the process will only make things more difficult. Yes, there will be messes and periods of interrupted sleep but you have to get through potty training to get on with your long and fun lives together. Unless you want to still be cleaning up messes 10 years later, learn how to potty train a puppy the right way!

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