House Training A Puppy - Top Tips

House training a puppy is an important part of helping them settle into their new home. While it requires patience and consistency, these simple tips can make the process of how to house train a puppy easier for both of you!

1. Feeding and Hydration: Timing is Key

• Plan Meal Times Wisely: Feed your puppy about three hours before bedtime. This gives them enough time to digest their meal and go to the toilet before settling down for the night.

• Manage Water Intake: Encourage your puppy to drink a few hours before bed. This ensures they’re hydrated without overfilling their bladder, reducing the chances of nighttime accidents.

2. The Right Schedule for Toileting

• Toileting Before Bed: Always take your puppy outside for a bathroom break just before bedtime.
  
  
• Morning Routine: As soon as you wake up, take your puppy outside. Puppies have small bladders, so they’ll need to go as soon as they’re up.

• Leaving the House: If you’re heading out, make sure to give your puppy one last opportunity to go to the toilet—but not too close to the time you’re leaving, as this could cause stress.

3. After-Meals: A Prime Potty Time

• Puppies often need to go to the toilet shortly after eating. Be ready to take them outside right after meals to reinforce good habits and avoid accidents indoors.

4. Reinforce Positive Behaviour

• Use Simple Commands: When your puppy goes to the toilet in the correct place, use a clear and simple word such as "go potty" or "toilet" to reinforce the behaviour.

• Rewards Work Wonders: Immediately reward your puppy with a treat, a toy, or lots of praise once they’ve finished. Positive reinforcement when  new puppy training helps them associate toileting in the right place with good things.

5. Handling Accidents Calmly

Accidents are a normal part of the learning process, especially for young puppies. Here’s how to handle them:

• Stay Calm: Never scold your puppy or punish them for accidents. This can create fear and confusion, making house-training more challenging.

• Redirect Kindly: If you catch your puppy in the act, gently interrupt and take them outside to the designated toileting area.

• Clean Thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the accident, as lingering smells can encourage repeat behaviour. Avoid cleaning in front of your puppy, as they might mistake it for playtime.

6. Consistency is Crucial

• Stick to a regular feeding, drinking, and toileting schedule. Puppies thrive on routine, and consistency will help them learn faster.

• Be patient—every puppy learns at their own pace. With time, practice, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will master house-training.

Why Early Puppy Toilet Training Matters

Teaching your puppy where and when to go to the toilet is about more than just cleanliness. It’s a fundamental part of their socialisation and building trust with you as their owner. House training a puppy can take time and all dogs learn differently, so don't worry how long it takes to house train a puppy, following our top tips will help you master this skill together.

By being calm, consistent, and encouraging, you’re setting the foundation for a well-behaved and happy dog.

 

Take a look at the full playlist here: Puppy Training Videos on YouTube