Potty training is one of the first things you’re going to be doing with your new pup, and it’s a process require a lot of patience and consistency.
When it comes to how long it takes there is no “one answer fits all.” While most dogs can be potty trained quite reliably within a few weeks, your pup is likely still going to have occasional accidents for the first year.
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy?
Unfortunately there is no exact answer when it comes to how long it takes to potty train a puppy, since most of it depends on the training method you choose.
The good news is, if you’re consistent with potty training it should only take a couple of weeks until your puppy is mostly house trained.
I say mostly because it’s important to be realistic, and understand that accidents will still happen in the first few months, even if your pup has a pretty good grasp of potty training.
If you’re looking to house train your dog quickly the tips below will help get your pup on the right track.
Tips for Potty Training Your Puppy
When it comes to potty training your puppy remember two things; consistency and prevention are key.
The sooner you teach your dog that going potty outdoors is the best thing they can do, the quicker they’ll catch on that outside is where they should be doing their business.
Have Someone Around To Supervise Them For The First Week or Two
Puppies can’t hold their bladders for extended periods of time, so having someone around during that first week or two to take them out will help immensely when it comes to training.
And when it comes to teaching them that prevention is key. It’s much easier to train a dog to go potty outside by praising them like crazy when they do, rather than trying to prevent it by punishing them if they have an accident indoors.
By having someone around for the first week or two who can let them outside frequently you can start teaching your dog right away that outside is where I need to go potty.
Easier said than done, I know, but by being consistent and praising your dog like crazy every single time they pee or poop outside they’ll quickly catch on that outdoors is where the bathroom is.
Tip: Consider using a long leash or tether to help with supervision during that first week.
Don’t Rely on Punishment When They Have an Accident Indoors
One thing to avoid when potty training your puppy is just relying on punishment and expecting your dog to understand what you want.
Sure your dog will feel bad if you yell at them for peeing inside, but that doesn’t mean they’ll understand what they should have done instead unless you show them.
If you catch your dog in the act you can bring them outside, and praise like crazy if they finish the job outdoors.
Keep a Consistent Schedule For Your Pup
Another tip to help with potty training is to be consistent with their schedule.
Not only will it help your pup learn what’s expected of them, but it’ll make your job of potty training easier since you’ll get to know when they need potty breaks throughout the day.
Good times to let your dog outside for a potty break include:
- In the morning when they wake up
- After they’ve eaten
- After a walk or play session
- After they get up from a nap
- Before bedtime
After supervising them for a couple days you’ll get a pretty good idea of how many times your dog needs to pee and poop each day, and what signs they start to show when they need to go outside such as sniffing, barking or circling.
Make It A Party Each Time They Pee or Poop Outside
Your neighbors might begin to think you’re crazy, but it’s important to praise your dog like mad every time they go pee or poop outside if you want them to repeat the behavior.
Tell them how good they are and have a quick little play session to show how happy you are. Teach them that going potty outside means party time.
Be Sure To Clean Any Places Where They Had an Accident Indoors Effectively
Since accidents are inevitable, be sure to pick up a decent enyzmatic pet odor cleaner to help prevent them from eliminating in the same spot over & over again.
If the accident isn’t cleaned effectively those odors will remain, signaling to your puppy that it’s a good bathroom spot.
Remember That Accidents Will Happen
It’s important to remember that accidents are gonna happen, especially in those first couple of weeks and that it’s all a part of the normal house breaking process.
Don’t get discouraged, just keep on working on the potty training process and your pup will be house broken soon enough.
Recommended Reading
For more tips on how to potty train your puppy check out the following articles;
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