When potty training your new puppy there are some very definite do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind.
DO
Do teach a puppy a “potty phrase”. This is to remind him what he is supposed to do. Go potty, go ahead, do your business, hurry up would all be example of potty phrases.
DON’T
Don’t take your puppy back inside the house right away after he eliminates. He will notice that play time is over once he does his business and may start to hold it.
DO
When you are away from the house it is best to keep puppy in his crate.
When you are at home do keep puppy with you at all times. Use baby gates to keep him in the room you are in. Another way is to physically leash the puppy to you. That way he has to go everywhere you go. Keeping the puppy with you will ensure that you catch the clues that it is time to go outside.
DO
Only feed and water puppy when you know you can take him outside right away. Puppies cannot hold it as long as adult dogs so needs to eliminate right away after being fed.
DO
If you catch the puppy in the act of going on your favorite rug DO make a loud noise to stop him quickly. Take him outside immediately so he can finish his business and then reward and praise him. The reward and praise are to remind him that good things happen when he goes to the bathroom.
DON’T
Never punish a puppy for having an accident. Do not scold him or rub his nose in it. As a matter of fact, don’t make a big deal out of it at all.
Ignore the puppy and just clean it up. Using the appropriate pet odor remover and cleaner to clean the area and get rid of the scent will make sure the puppy doesn’t continually use your rug as his new favorite potty spot.
