Toilet training a puppy can be daunting (especially if you’re a new puppy parent!), but it doesn’t need to be, not with our handy guide anyway!
If you’re ready to learn how to toilet train a puppy in 7 days, keep reading!
Note: This post is ideally suited to puppies over the age of 12 weeks, as younger pups may not possess the required bladder control to be fully trained in such a short timeframe.
1. Choose a toilet location
First step, decide on toileting location for your pup. Outside is preferable, however a dedicated indoor potty is also fine, just make sure that you are consistent.
2. Set a schedule
For young pups (around 8 weeks), Dog Coaching Academy recommend taking your pup to their toileting location every 60 mins for an opportunity to “go”. For older pups (12-16 weeks), every 2-hours is ideal (including at night). These intervals can be gradually increased as they get older.
Puppies should also be taken to their toileting spot after every meal, big drink, nap, and play session, as well as last thing before bed and first thing in the morning.
3. Pay attention to the signs
If you’ve been paying attention, your pup’s pre-potty “signals” will soon start to become obvious – when they do, make sure you listen! Common signals include sniffing the floor, pacing, mild whining/barking, and scratching at the door/wall.
4. Don’t punish you puppy for accidents
Accidents are inevitable; however, you should never punish your pup for them.
Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques and lots of praise when your puppy “goes” in the correct spot.
5. Teach a potty cue word
Zigzag Puppy Experts also recommend teaching your puppy a potty cue word to help remind them what you want them to do when they are in their toileting location.
6. Consider crate training to help teach bladder control
While crate training isn’t essential when it comes to toilet training your puppy, many trainers suggest that it can help to speed up the process.
7. Set your pup up for success!
Finally, be consistent with your toileting schedule, and limit your pup’s unsupervised time to prevent accidents. More importantly, BE PATIENT!
