Puppy potty training can be a challenging task, and there are many common mistakes that people make during the process. Once you have mastered these unfortunate missteps, puppy potty training becomes a whole heck of a lot easier. So, here are a few:
Inconsistent Puppy Potty Training Routine
Puppy potty training requires a consistent routine so that your puppy can learn when it’s time to go potty. Establish a regular feeding schedule, and take your puppy outside to go potty shortly after each meal. Also, take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, before bedtime, and after playtime or naps. Stick to a routine, and your puppy will quickly learn when it’s time to go.
Lack of Supervision During Puppy Potty Training
It’s important to supervise your puppy at all times, especially during the puppy potty training period. This will allow you to catch any accidents before they happen and take your puppy outside to go potty. You can use a crate or a pen to confine your puppy when you can’t watch them closely.
Punishing Accidents
Punishing your puppy for accidents can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior. If your puppy has an accident inside, interrupt them by clapping or saying “no,” and immediately take them outside to finish going potty. When they go outside, praise them and give them a treat.
Not Rewarding Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is key to potty training. When your puppy successfully goes potty outside, make sure to reward them with treats, praise, or affection. This will help your puppy learn that going potty outside is a good thing.
Not Cleaning Up Accidents Properly
If your puppy has an accident inside, it’s important to clean it up thoroughly to remove any odor. Otherwise, your puppy may be drawn to that spot again in the future. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet urine, and follow the instructions carefully.
Expecting Too Much Too Soon
Potty training takes time and patience. Don’t expect your puppy to be fully trained overnight. Be consistent in your training, and celebrate each success along the way. With time and patience, your puppy will learn to go potty outside on their own.
Puppy potty training is an exercise in patience, love, and kindness for this little creature that is just learning about the world in which they now live. It is a fight against their instincts to hold their bladders and urges to poo, but there are some additional tips that can help make the process smoother.
First and foremost, it’s important to be patient and consistent. Puppy potty training takes time, so it’s important to maintain a routine and stick to it consistently. Using positive reinforcement is also key to successful training. Reward your puppy with treats, praise, or affection when they successfully go potty outside, which will encourage them to continue the behavior.
Being proactive can also help prevent accidents inside. Take your puppy outside before they show signs of needing to go, and designate a specific area outside for them to go potty. Watch for cues that your puppy needs to go potty, such as sniffing around or circling, and take them outside immediately. Consider using crate training as a tool for potty training, as dogs naturally avoid going potty where they sleep. Here’s a helpful article for crate training.
It’s also important to be consistent with training, so make sure that everyone in your household is using the same methods and following the same routine. Remember, potty training a puppy takes time and patience, but with positive reinforcement, consistency, and a bit of proactive planning, your puppy will eventually learn to go potty outside.
