top of page

Potty Training Do's & Don'ts

April Schrader, CPDT-KA

Potty training your puppy is an essential milestone in creating a happy and harmonious home. But let’s be honest—it comes with its fair share of challenges and frustrations. The good news? By sticking to the right steps, you can make the process smoother, helping your puppy understand where to go while avoiding confusion and setbacks.


Here’s your ultimate guide to the do’s and don’ts of potty training your puppy!

Potty Training

The Don’ts: What to Avoid When Potty Training


  • Don’t Leave Your Un-Potty-Trained Puppy/Dog Unsupervised: When your puppy is out of their crate, they need your full attention. Actively watch them, or use tools like leashes or baby gates to keep them in the same room with you. If supervision isn’t possible, confine your puppy to a safe area or crate to prevent accidents around the house.


  • Don’t Correct Your Puppy/Dog in Any Way: Avoid yelling, clapping your hands, shaking cans of pennies, hitting, or rubbing their nose in accidents. These actions don’t teach your dog what to do and may cause them to fear going potty around you.


  • Don’t Always Take Them Right Back Inside After Potty Breaks: Some dogs view returning inside immediately after a potty break as a punishment, leading them to hold it outside. Prevent this by playing fetch, tug-of-war, or letting them chase a flirt pole for about five minutes after they potty. Set a timer to ensure consistency, then bring them back inside. This positive association strengthens their potty training routine.


  • Don’t Use Potty Pads: Potty pads can confuse dogs, making it harder for them to differentiate between indoor surfaces and designated potty areas. This often delays successful outdoor potty training.


The Do’s: What to Do for Successful Potty Training


  • Do Manage Your Puppy/Dog’s Environment: Use baby gates, playpens, or crates to keep your puppy confined when you can’t supervise them fully. This helps prevent accidents and creates a structured learning environment.


  • Do Pre-Cut Treats Into Pea-Sized Portions: Keep a container of small treats near the door you use for potty breaks. This saves time and ensures you can immediately reward your puppy for successful bathroom trips, reducing the risk of accidents while searching for treats.


  • Do Take Them Out Through the Same Door Every Time: Repetition helps your puppy associate that specific door with potty time. Over time, they may start signaling their need to go by waiting at that door.



  • Do Put Your Puppy/Dog on a Leash for Potty Breaks: Always leash your puppy for bathroom trips, even in your backyard. This prepares them for situations where they must go on a leash, such as at the vet, during travel, or in public spaces. It also familiarizes them with wearing a leash and harness.


  • Do Quietly and Calmly Redirect Your Puppy OutsideIf you catch your puppy in the act of going potty indoors, calmly and quietly guide them outside. If they finish outside, reward them. If not, bring them back in and try again in 10-15 minutes.


  • Do Keep a Potty Log: Track when and where your puppy goes potty. This record will help you identify patterns, predict bathroom needs, and prevent accidents. Activities like eating or playing often trigger potty time.


  • Do Clean Up Accidents with an Enzymatic Cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners like Scout’s Honor or Nature’s Miracle break down urine smells, preventing your puppy from being drawn back to the same spot. Regular cleaners won’t remove the scent entirely, increasing the chance of repeat accidents.


  • Do Keep Your Puppy on a Leash Indoors: Keeping your puppy on a leash inside makes it easier to quickly take them out when they need to go. Trying to leash a puppy in a rush can lead to accidents—time is critical when puppies need to potty.


Potty training takes patience, consistency, and understanding, but with these tips, you’ll be setting your puppy up for success. Stick to the plan, celebrate small victories, and remember that every effort you put in now creates the foundation for a lifetime of good habits!


Need Help with Potty Training? Let’s Work Together!


📞 Call or Text: 301-231-1907

🌐 Contact Form: Click Here to Get Started


Don’t wait—reach out today and let us help you make potty training a positive and stress-free experience for you and your puppy!




Recent Posts

See All

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page