Pet Health Tips

How to Potty Train a Puppy

How do I get my puppy to stop peeing in the house? Every dog owner knows trying to potty train a puppy is no easy task. There are many factors that play into successful puppy potty training, such as feeding schedules, rewards, and one of the most important things, setting a pattern. In the video, Shelley and Helen share helpful products and few tips on how to potty train a puppy.
How to Potty Train a Puppy

Puppy Potty Training Schedule

Setting a schedule is probably one of the most important steps you need to take in order to properly potty train a puppy. Setting a schedule will help your puppy learn when it’s time to eat, sleep, play and eliminate. We all know puppy bladders are hard to control, so having a schedule will help you better plan out bathroom breaks. For the most part, a puppy can hold his bladder for about one hour for every month he is old. So, a two-month-old puppy can hold it in for about two hours. If you wait any longer than that,  you’re asking for an accident. If you work outside the home, be sure to arrange for someone to give your puppy his breaks.

Motivate Puppy with Fun

There’s nothing better than a yummy treat to motivate a puppy to do something. Using treats and praise helps when potty training a puppy. After he has finished, reward him with praise, a treat, a long walk or playtime. Remember to do this consistently and immediately after he’s finished and when you are still outdoors. This step is very important because it’s the only way he’ll know what you expect. Make sure he is finished before you reward him. Praising him too soon may excite him enough to stop in the middle of his business and then complete the job when he’s back in the house.

How Do You Handle Accidents When Potty Training a Puppy?

Like any small creature, accidents can happen. It’s a normal part of training a puppy. If you catch him in the act of soiling in the house, say “OUTSIDE” and immediately grab the leash and take him to his favorite potty spot. After he finishes, praise him and give him a treat, but only if he finishes outside. To help prevent accidents inside you will have to clean the area really well and use an odor eliminator to keep your puppy from soiling in that same area.

Paper Training

If you must leave your puppy alone for long periods of time, confine him to an area with enough room to sleep and play, along with a separate place to eliminate. Use training pads with a floor protector in this area for your convenience. If you need more help, call us at 800.786.4751.

Written by: Shelley Hexom

Content Manager

Shelley Hexom is Revival's Content Manager and helps develop educational pet health resources. A three-time Emmy® Award-winning news anchor, Shelley works with Revival's Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, to help create useful and easy-to-understand articles, videos, and webinars. Shelley received her bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Winona State University in 2002. As a pet owner, Shelley enjoys time with her Boxer mix, Sally. Shelley has been part of the Revival Team since 2016.

If you need help, call us at 800.786.4751.