3 Potty Training Tips From a Professional Dog Trainer in Glen Allen, VA

 Hey peeps. Nicole from Sit Happens RVA here!

Potty training your puppy is something that every new pup parent should take seriously. Unfortunately, puppy potty training can also be a stressful and sometimes frustrating process. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult this serious responsibility can be. Here are my top three potty training tips that will help make the process a little easier:

1. Establish a Routine 

– Establishing a routine is key when it comes to potty training. Start by taking your pup outside to the same spot at the same time every day. Make sure to take your pup out first thing in the morning and then again after each and every meal or snack. This will help your pup to develop an association with pottying outside and make it less likely that they’ll soil your home.

One of the most important potty training tips from a professional dog trainer is to start early. Puppies as young as eight weeks old can be trained to learn where to go to the bathroom. Establishing a routine and setting expectations for where to go early on is the best way for your puppy to become a house-trained adult dog. Start by keeping them close by when they are likely to go – right after a nap, after a play session, and following meals. 

2. Consistency is Key 

– Consistency is absolutely key when it comes to potty training your pup. If you are too lax with your pup and let them get away with peeing or pooping indoors a few times, they may start believing that breaking the rules is okay. Therefore, it’s important to consistently enforce the rules that you have set in place. If your pup makes a mistake indoors, make sure to remove them from the area and bring them outside immediately.

Consistent supervision is essential to potty-training success. When your pup has just had a nap or after they have eaten, make sure you take them outside to a designated potty area and stay with them until they have gone. If they go in the right place, be sure to reward them with verbal affirmation and a treat. Additionally, puppies have small bladders, so you need to take them out multiple times throughout the day – typically after every one to two hours of play.

3. Positive Reinforcement 

– Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective tools in potty training your pup. Whenever your pup successfully eliminates outside, offer them praise, treats or toys. This will help to reinforce the action and make them more likely to repeat it next time. The more your pup associates going potty outside with rewards, the less likely they’ll be to make a mess indoors.

Developing a potty routine for your pup is key to potty training success. Establish a regular potty schedule to give them a predictability and consistency which will help them know when it's time to go outside and do their business. Take them out first thing in the morning, and then at regular intervals throughout the day. Leave them outside for a few minutes until they go potty, and provide verbal encouragement and a treat when they go in the correct spot.

No matter how daunting potty training your new puppy may seem, just remember to stay consistent, positive and patient. Keeping these three tips in mind will help make the process easier and ensure that your pup quickly learns how to successfully eliminate outdoors.