How to Best Potty Train a Puppy
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I adore animals, especially dogs, and I've had my share of potty training puppies. Potty training or housebreaking a puppy isn't as difficult as you might think, but it does take patience, consistency, and understanding. Puppies are like toddlers - their bladders are small, their attention span is short, and teaching them anything effectively requires an effort on your part to be diligent and consistent.
Your first step is to research and choose a solid training method that is reasonable for you to accomplish with your lifestyle as well as being a method that is healthy and humane for the puppy. When choosing a training method, you should be prepared to stick with it and be consistant otherwise you will only confuse the puppy. You may find that several methods work well together, such as using a combination of crate training, clicker training, and using housebreaking pads which are three very popular training methods.
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Housebreaking means teaching a puppy to relieve himself either outside or in a specific location within the house. So the first thing you need to do is consider the breed of dog you're getting and decide where you want him to relieve himself. Small breeds do very well with an outdoor or indoor program using puppy housebreaking pads.
A housebreaking pad (puppy pad, piddle pad, wee pad, pee pad, pooch pad) is a rectangular absorbent pad with plastic backing that you can put anywhere in your home. You can buy disposable pads or washable pads that can be reused or make your own. For example, a vinyl tablecloth works great as long as you cover it with something absorbent like newspaper. You can cut the tablecloth into any size you want and cover it with several layers of newspaper. After it's soiled, throw the newspaper away, clean the pad off, and lay out new layers of clean newspaper. Disposable pads are by far the most convenient, and you can generally buy them for a reasonable price.
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Potty Training With Housebreaking Pads
Housebreaking pads are normally used for training purposes or for elderly incontinent dogs; however, if your new puppy is a small breed, like a Chihuahua or a Pomeranian, then you can train the puppy to use a pad and continue to use one throughout his adult life.
Using pads to housebreak your puppy is probably the easiest method. You simply choose a location in your house to place the pad, and when you see signs that the puppy needs to go relieve himself, like sniffing and walking around in a circle, then pick him up and place him on the pad. When he's finished, reward him. He'll get the idea very quickly to go to the pad to do his business, then you can start moving the pad closer to an exit door leading to the outside area where you want him to eventually end up relieving himself.
Once the pad has been moved to your exit door, watch for times when the puppy goes in that direction and follow him. Instead of letting him go on the pad, open the door and take him outside and praise him for doing his business outside. Soon he will have the idea and start barking for you to open the door so he can go out.
The only problem sometimes associated with using pads is that the dog is trained to know that it's okay to relieve himself in the house, so you might end up with accidents in unwanted locations, like on throw rugs or anything that resembles a piddle pad. However, I suspect that this is only true if you prolong the use of pads before making the switch to outdoors exclusively. Most puppies are very easy to train, and once they understand how to use a pad, then they are ready to start learning how to relieve themselves outside, and this can happen within a matter of days.
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Using a Crate to Potty Train a Puppy
Crate Training involves purchasing a crate and putting the puppy in it when you can not supervise him and at night when you sleep. The reason why crate training often works well is because a dog generally will not soil the area where he sleeps. It also prevents a puppy from getting into trouble and possibly injuring himself when you're not available to watch over him. Another reason why this method often works well is because the puppy quickly learns that he can hold his bladder and that it's not necessary to 'go' every single time the urge hits.
The crate should be large enough for the puppy to be comfortable sleeping, but not so large that he can soil one end and go sleep on the other end. This defeats the whole purpose. In fact, if by some rare chance the puppy soils the crate, then that might indicate you've left him in there too long. Once he starts soiling the crate, it could become a habit, so don't leave him in there for long periods of time until he can gain better control of the urge to relieve himself.
You can put something soft, like a small blanket, in the crate for the puppy to sleep on, and you can put a chew toy in there as well for times during the day when you can't supervise him. The crate is never used for punishment. The idea is to use the crate when you're unable to supervise the puppy, and it should represent a safe place where the puppy wants to go.
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Using a Clicker to Housebreak a Puppy
Clicker Training is used for many different training purposes, such as housebreaking, stopping excessive barking, controlling aggression, and promoting positive behavior in general. The clicker is a small device that makes a distinctive 'click' sound when you press the button. The clicking sound followed by positive reinforcement lets your puppy know he's done something good. This method is different from using verbal commands because the clicker always makes the same exact sound and has the same meaning each time you use it unlike your voice which can vary in tone and have different meanings.
You can use the clicker during the housebreaking process to let your puppy know when he's done his business in the right place and follow up immediately with positive reinforcement - your choice of either a small treat or affection. If you're consistant in using a clicker to indicate all good things, then housebreaking should be a snap.
Using a Clicker for Potty Training
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- One of the most important aspects of potty training a puppy is making sure that you or someone in your family has time to spend training the new puppy. This can simply mean having a long weekend at home to get things started.
- Know that a puppy will not have the ability to hold their bladder for extended periods of time. Supposedly, at about 8 to 9 weeks of age, most puppies can hold out for 7 to 8 hours; however, I've seen it take a little longer for a puppy to control their bladder for that long. No adult dog should have to hold their bladder over 10 hours--ever.
- Understand predictable puppy potty times. There are specific times when a puppy will need to potty: after waking from a nap, about 30 minutes after eating, and after playing. So train yourself to automatically take the puppy where you want him to relieve himself at those times.
- Establish a schedule for times to take the puppy out (from morning till night) and follow it relentlessly until the puppy is housetrained.
- Always praise the puppy for doing his business in the right place.
- Never punish a puppy over an accident as that will only make him afraid of you. Clean it up and watch him more closely. If you catch the puppy having an accident, gently pick him up (I usually take the accident with me if I can) and put him (and the accident) where you want him to relieve himself.
Final Thoughts
Puppies need love, understanding, and patience. They should never be left unsupervised, and if you don't want to use a crate, then puppy-proof one room or area of your house so that there will be a safe place for him to be left alone when you can't watch after him. Put a housebreaking pad in the area with him if you'll be away for long period of time. If you find that all of your housebreaking efforts aren't working, and your puppy can't seem to hold his bladder or bowel movements for increasingly longer periods of time, then take him to the vet because there could be a medical problem.
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Comments
Thank you for your comment moonlake. It's a great idea to take them to the same area outside, and I'm so glad you pointed that out because most dogs will return to the same spot you trained them to use. I made the mistake of not doing that with a lab I rescued last summer, and she poops all over the yard. It takes forever to clean it all up...it's like an easter egg hunt. lol!
I love my Cockers and I used puppy pads and gave them big hugs and kisses when they did their no-mo. However since we have relocated to a different environment and our backyard is not brick , my dogs tend to think they can bark at the world. I explained to our new neighbors that they were not barkers as they did not due this before, do you think the bark clicker will work as I have tried everything and it seems to me, that they now want to be heard but mommy is tired of the noise? Can you help me with this? :)
Hi AEvans! Cockers are so cute! You're asking a great question. Are you saying you moved from a place where your backyard was enclosed to everything outside of it and now you've moved to where it's open and your dogs can see what's going on? I'm just trying to understand why the sudden barking is happening.
Regardless of why, the answer would be yes, the clicker should work to improve that. But a more immediate answer is something a dog trainer shared with me not long ago about disruptive barking that is associated with separation anxiety. She said to fill a plastic container with coins (not to the top, but enough to make plenty of noise when you shake it), put a lid on it, and every time your dog starts barking inappropriately, shake the container and say, "No!" very firmly. This type of devise and the noise it makes should get their attention and eventually make them understand that barking at a neighbor or at other times when you don't want it to happen isn't what you want them to do.
Now the reason why I recommended the shaker is because it sounds like you need help with that problem pronto, and this is something you can do while you investigate clicker training further. If you don't mind, I can double check with this trainer to see if she has any other ideas as well.
Love your pictures. The one with the glasses is precious!
Also very good potty training advice. Crate training really helps a lot. Also, when I was training my Siberian puppy, I trained her to go both on pads and to go outside. This was because she had several surgeries, and we could not take her outside when she was recovering. Now that she is older, she only goes outside; probably because she gets rewarded very well when she goes outside :)
Hi Shibashake, and thanks for the comment. Siberian's are beautiful dogs and so incredibly smart. I'll bet she was particularly easy to train. :)
She is actually pretty easy to train, especially compared to my terror of a Shiba :) Sibes are actually very independent minded, so they are not the most easy to train dogs, but Shania is very food focused, so that helps a lot. Btw. what dogs do you have?
Shiba, I had forgotten how independent minded siberians are! I had a neighbor who couldn't keep his in a fenced yard no matter what he tried. The dog kept figuring out how to undo the latch on the gate, and she refused to be contained. lol!
Right now I have two rescue dogs, one is a black lab mix, and the other is half golden retriever and half belgian shepherd. Both were very easy to train, especially the lab. She has never had an accident in the house from day 1. Before these two I had two American Eskimo dogs who have passed on. I'd have to say that while I think a lab is one of the most happy-go-lucky breeds, they are also the most high energy dogs I've ever seen. I can't keep up with ours. lol! Thanks for asking. :)
You hit it right on the nose from th enclosed fence to a wide open backyard. I have an empty Folger's can and believe me , I can going to put a handful of coins in it and begin working on this tomorrow. If there are any other ideas, do let me know. I love my cockers and thanks for the comment, they are just a little high strung but spoiled rotten,which also is not good, because you are right they are cute, but overall they are well behaved.:)
I love your babies too as they are absolutely beautiful, but with our son my husband said no large dogs, but if I could have a large dog I definitely would.
I have a nine week-old Maltipoo, can I train him to use a potty pad in his pen during the day (I will be gone for nine hours each day at work) AND train him to go outside when I'm home? I only ask because he's so young and won't be able to hold it for so long, or should I wait until he is older and can hold it longer and then move the pad outside? Thanks.
Hi Amy,
Maltipoos are so adorable! Yes, I do believe that you can train him to use a pad in the pen when you're gone, then to go outside when you're home. I think that will work quite well. Having the pad inside the pen will also let him know that doing his business outside of that area isn't acceptable. You're establishing boundries.
I commend you on being such a responsible and caring dog owner. Nine hours is a very long time, especially for a small dog. You've come up with a very reasonable solution. Having a pen for him is also wonderful. :) I wish you the very best with your maltipoo!
The wee wee pads have worked best for us. These are all great ideas though, the pads though, like you said seem to be the easiest method. Funny because we tried the clicker, and it works when it comes to getting them to hush up when we have visitors. We got a new electronic trainer remote though, that works like a charrrrmmmmm!!!!! For barking... I know off topic, thought Id share though. lol.
Great tips Pam. : )
Hi Pam - we have a black lab. who is 7 years old and has never had an accident inside - TG is all I can say as he does have huge grogans and it is bad enough going on the treasure hunt to clean all that up! - but we have a little miniature fox terrier/Jack russel who despite doors being left open for her still manages at 2 years of age to have the odd accident inside ( not urine ) which is driving me to despair - love her lots - she is very smart in all other areas but this - however my husband won't let me smack her so my question is do you think these pads would work at her age....suppose i can try - great hub - thanks ..cheers
ps I have always had big dogs (2 labs and a ridgeback) and I come have to the conclusion that big dogs are so much easier to train than little ones!
Hey Mellas! Thanks for telling me about the electronic trainer remote. I'll have to check that out. I appreciate you sharing! It's always helpful when others share what works for them. Thanks again! :)
Hey ajcor! Long time no see. ;) Isn't that amazing about labs? Our 2 year old girl has never ever had an accident in the house since the day we brought her in. Glad to hear yours has been very good that way too. :)
About your little miniature fox terrier/Jack russel, she's a real cutie! Thank goodness it's not a problem with the urine. That is the worst to try and clean up. I would definitely try the pads. It's not hard for them to get the idea about where to go.
At 2 years old, you wouldn't think she'd have any control problems, so you might want to have her checked out by the vet too to rule out any other types of problems associated with the intestines. Especially if she continues to do it after introducing the pads. Now I'm not suggesting you aren't a very good mom, I know you are, but sometimes there can be problems that aren't easily recognized and the only tip we may have is behavior that seems a little odd. Know what I mean?
Thank you both for coming in for a read. :)
Thanks for the vet tip Pam - I just thought she does have an anal gland problem that requires a monthly trip to her vet and we have thinking of her having the op as it has become quite an uncomfortable & ongoing problem for her - so now I am wondering if there could be a connection with this and the other ....duh! I have never spoken to the vet about her accident issues...
Love the idea of the pads - I've always used just newspaper - the plastic/vinyl backing sounds so practical - can't think why it didn't occur to me!! :) With a cocker spaniel pup coming in next month, that's a great tip at just the right time.
Just an aside - I've found that female dogs are easier to potty train than males - anyone else feels the same?
ajcor, that could have something to do with it, but I'm not sure. It seems to me like any dog who knows where to "go" and doesn't at certain times, then there must be something else going on. My first impression was that maybe she is experiencing something physical that makes some bowel movements too urgent to make it outside. If it's not physical, then there's the emotional thing. Dogs are smart, and that makes for a number of possibilities! ;) Good luck, and if your sweet girl has to have an operation, then I pray it goes well. Keep me posted. This is the dog in your avatar picture right?
Hi Shalini! Thank you and I wish you the best with your cocker spaniel next month. :) What pretty dogs they are. I hope you'll share pictures with us. As far as females being easier to train than males, that's a very interesting observation! I've only had one male dog and all the others have been females, so I can't say. But I'm thinking that if this is true, then maybe it has something to do with a male dog having that natural and strong urge to "mark" his territory. It's like they can't help but to pee on everything they want to make their own. lol!
I had a beautiful American Eskimo dog, and when he was a pup he relieved himself on the foot of a male visitor. lol! I think that was a bold statement for the fellow to not get too comfortable in the pup's palace. ;)
"Thanks for coming in!
Yes that is Harriett who really is the dearest little dog in all the world! (despite her personal problems) and our big black lab who is known as "the dear boy" is called Humphrey; meet the fur kids - cheers and thanks for your help -
Harriet is such a sweet name. :) As for Humphrey, now that is interesting! I can't help but wonder if you ever call him Hump for short. ;) Mine is a black lab too, her name is Shadow, but we call her Moose. lol!
You're welcome ajcor, you are such a good hub buddy, and I wish you the very best always.
I forgot to mention before that if anyone has any idea if females are easier to train than males, please let us know. :)
Thanks for your lovely words Pam - hubber buddy - and I wish you all best particularly for 2009! - To answer your question: I have, pre Harriett , always had big dogs and I have found- with our "Humphrey'' being the exception- girl dogs were easier to train but now I have had to re-adjust that view to bigger dogs regardless of sex, are easier to train than smaller dogs.
Humphrey is sometimes known as Humph, Humpty or even Humphrey D.Dog - we have here in Australia a life size walking talking cartoon bear (wears a tartan waistcoat) on television who is called Humphrey B. Bear - so a bit of fun for our Humph.. cheers
How cute that there's a cartoon bear named that. I do think Humphrey is a neat name, and Humpty is really cute. Gosh, I think all my dogs ended up with a nickname that had little to do with their real names. But I think that happens when they get older and you see more of their personality. ;)
Thanks for sharing your experience and deductions about potty training large vs. small dogs and females vs. males. I think you're on to something about large dogs being easier, and I wonder if it's because their bladders and other things are larger and easier to hold. Hmm.
Loved that bit about your American Eskimo dog and the visitor Pam :D
They are such beautiful dogs!
We have a Muttador who's a year old - half Lab, half mutt - and we're hoping he gets along with the new cocker spaniel pup. He's awfully good with pups though - still, I've got my fingers crossed!
Hi Shalini, thanks, I named him Falstaff, but after more of his personality started becoming more clear, his name ended up being Bubba. lol!
Muttador...I love that! :D If he already has a history of liking pups, then you're right, he'll do just fine. :) I'd be curious to know if you've been able to identify small traits of other dogs in your muttador.
I also have a dog that is half golden retriever and half shepherd. The golden side of her takes over everything. So much so that we call her Halo. :)
Thanks for sharing!
Please help any advise will be appreciated.
We have a 4 month old cocker spaniel called Minx. We had trained Minx using the housebreaking pads and moving the pads closer to the door until Minx was going outside to do her potty. Two weeks after Minx was potty trained she started doing her potty in the house. She would be outside and come back in to use the house as her toilet. We once again introduced the pads but Minx does not use them. She does her potty where and when she pleases. If she is reprimanded with a stern voice (we do not shout) she growls and barks. We then ignore her and she doesn't seemed bothered in the least. If she does on occasion use the outside we praise her and give her a doggy treat. I am at home with Minx during the day and we have a cat who loves to play chasing games with her. She gets taken for three walks a day and never relieves herself during the walks, she will wait until she is back at home and then uses the house. We have tried confining her to one section of the house but she cries, howls and scratches on the door until she has the run of the house.
We do not know what more to do... we have had dogs previously and they were trained with no problems, Minx seems untrainable. She will respond to the sit command one day and the next she ignores you. She will walk perfectly on her lead enjoying her walk, then with the next walk which is 4 hrs later, she will bite the lead, run ahead even though the lead is held short and she ends up choking herself, at times she will sit and refuse to walk further, a 30 minute walk ends up to be an hour as I need to encourage and praise her every couple of steps.
It has suggested she be given to a home where there is a dominant male dog... is this going to be our solution?
Mandy, I'm so sorry you're having this problem, and I wish I could have seen your message sooner, but I'm experiencing some serious internet problems.
If you will send me a message through the "contact" link in the top right portion of this page, then I can put you in direct contact with a woman who is a professional in obedience training. Just make sure to include an email address that you feel comfortable with giving out.
Meanwhile, I will email her (internet service allowing) and see what she thinks.
I understand how frustrating this must be for you, and I hope to be able to help in some way.
go here quick! but i must warn you've been called many names...oh you will find out! http://hubpages.com/hub/My-Humor-Needs-an-Audience
Mandy, I want to paste the reply I got from the person who is an obedience trainer. Perhaps there are others who can benefit from her advice as well. She read your comment and replied with this...
"The answer to this is take the dog outside for the walk and if there is no elimination, the dog is crated. Take the dog out again in 15 minutes. If there is elimination, celebrate as usual and then the dog comes into the home. No elimination back to the crate. This doesn't give the dog a chance to use the house as a toilet.
If you catch the dog going to the bathroom in your home then you can reprimand with a vocal correction. If it happened even a second before you caught the dog then your timing is amiss and you can no longer hold the dog responsible. That's the truth. If you don't watch the dog then the mistake is yours. Furthermore even after an elimination in the house the dog needs to go outside immediately.
The portion of the comment explaining the dog crying and howling demonstrates the dog being in charge of the humans in that household. If you let a dog free after bad behavior you have just put the gold seal of approval on that behavior.
Minx seems "untrainable" because she is more of a dominant dog and the other dogs were more willing to be followers or there was a stronger leader in the family at that time. If a dog sits one day they are rewarded. If they don't sit the next day you don't move a muscle until that dog is sitting. You make the dog sit.
No, this dog should not be sent to a home with a more dominant dog (very bad idea). Although having the dog around another well behaved dog helps as a role model."
Dear Pam,
Thank you so much for this advice, I will keep you updated as to what is happening. Just a short observation: I have been away for a couple of days and in that time my husband & daughter reported Minx did not mess in the house at all but went outside on every occassion. When I arrived back Minx started messing in the house again. I'm off to buy a crate...
Thanks once again, really is appreciated
Thanks for keeping me posted Mandy. That is a very interesting observation you shared, and she's evidently viewing your husband as the leader of the pack and respecting his wishes. Dogs are so smart...sometimes too smart! I wish you the best Mandy, I know you can take control of this situation. Please do keep me posted. :)
Excellent intormation! :D Thank you!
Hi Pam,
Well we are three weeks into crate training and no closer to getting Minx house trained. When first crated Minx would cry and scratch to be set free, she damaged one of her nails in the process. But we did not give up! After the first week of crating she would and still does fall asleep in the crate quite content. The only plus side of taking Minx for continuous walks was that I lost some weight, other than that no elimination from Minx. Minx continues to use the house and now as she is growing bigger and can jump onto our beds she is doing her business on the beds as well, makes no difference whose bed she uses. She has started attacking our cat, first in a playful way and then she gets rough and tries to grab him by the throat. Minx also seems to be developing a jealous trait which is not acceptable. Nobody is allowed to hug each other or show our cat affection as she flies into a frenzy and starts growling and biting anyone or anything in the vicinty. It is almost as if she looses control and does not know what she is doing. As for catching her doing her business; that is no problem as she will come and relieve herself in which ever room she finds someone. She will wee or defecate once she is sure she has that persons attention, raising your voice does not make her stop and if you pick her up she will continue to wee, to her it makes no difference.
Some good news: She has learnt to walk on the lead without being carried back home, to sit on command and leave it alone - three very important words as far as the cat is concerned.
I have been away again and this time it made no difference to Minx's behaviour. Now we sadly need to make that heartbreaking decisions.
Oh Mandy, I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear this. :( I understand how horribly frustrating this must be for you, and I also understand that some difficult decisions have to be made. At this point, the only other thing you can try is obedience training with a professional. Although, for many of us, this can be an expense that isn't possible. But perhaps there is a trainer in your area who would be willing to at least talk to you about this? Maybe someone would be willing to barter their services in some way if expense is an issue?
Thank you for keeping me posted, and, again, I feel badly for you and your family. You've given this so much effort.
Hi everyone,
I just wondered if any of you had any tips on getting my 9 month labrador from pooing and weeing during the night. Sometimes she is really good and doesn't make a mess other morning i get up to a lot of mess! Please Help!!!
Great hub - only wish the clicker worked for malamutes - ha ha - I think they look at it and go "yeah right" - but all GREAT info!
Hi akirchner, sorry the clicker didn't work for your malamute. They are too smart for their own good! I had a black lab who didn't need any type of housebreaking at all, but she was so stubborn about everything else. lol! Anyway, thanks for coming in to read and for the wonderful comment! :)
moonlake says:
12 months ago
Good Hub. We always crate trained. When I would take our puppies outside to potty I always took them to the same spot out of the yard into the woods. Once they were trained they never went in the yard they always headed for the woods. Of course not many people have woods near their home but I would think it would also work for a corner of the yard.