How to Toilet Train Your Puppy
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
Adding a new puppy to the family is an exciting time, full of endless love and puppy kisses! Now that your pup has moved into your loving home, adjusting to life away from mum and siblings can be stressful. Your puppy is still learning how the world works and is entirely dependent on you to show them the ropes.
Unless you enjoy cleaning up messes, toilet training is probably one of the first things you'll want to teach your little ball of fur. Here's our guide to get you started with toilet training.
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What goes in must come out
The quality and amount of food you feed determines the frequency and amount of waste excreted. Premium puppy foods are formulated in a way that is balanced and packed with the nutrition your pup needs to grow. Stool and urine are by-products of metabolism, so the more unnecessary ingredients in your pooch's food, the more toilet breaks they'll need to have!
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Gear up for the clean up
Cleaning up quickly after your puppy has an accident is a must for every pet parent. Not only does this promote cleanliness and overall hygiene, removing traces of the crime scene helps to prevent your pup from wanting to re-offend. Stock up with poop bags, enzymatic cleaner, pet wipes, training pads, and lots of patience.
Embrace a routine
Whether you are a seasoned dog parent or new to puppy care, you will soon notice that pups tend to follow a routine. Take advantage of this by creating a feeding schedule. This makes it easier to predict when your pup needs to go potty as they tend to do this after eating, waking up, and after play.
Supervision is KEY! Notice your pup's behaviour and take them to their toilet spot as soon as you notice signs of sniffing around or appearing unsettled. When you do take your puppy for a toilet break, use the same route, door, and area where you want them to potty every time to reinforce the routine. Be sure to praise them and give treats when they get it right, and if they seem keen to have a play afterwards, let them enjoy some time outside with you as a reward.
Top Pet Toilets
Keep it positive
Keep your pup's interest by using plenty of positive reinforcement: affection, patience, treats, praise, or toys. Nothing beats being acknowledged as a 'good girl or boy!'
Want to know more about the benefits of positive pet parenting and how to get started? Check out our New Puppy Guide for more on training, health, nutrition and behaviour.
Consider crate training
Crate training establishes your pup a territory in your household and gives them confidence. Dogs have the basal instinct to keep sleeping and eating area clean and crate trained dogs will naturally preserve this habit. Learn more by reading our article: Crate Training Your Puppy
In case of accidents...
Supervise your pup in all areas of the house, so as to reduce the risk of accidents. Over time you may increase the area your pup can access as their toilet training progresses. Remember that accidents happen. If your puppy toilets in the house, stay calm and avoid any anger or scolding. They might interpret your anger or frustration as punishment for relieving themselves in general and may develop sneaky habits or avoid going within your presence. Calmly clean up after your puppy using an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent from the wrong area and get back to enforcing your routine.
Did you know? Studies show that a dog making eye contact while doing their deed is a sign they trust you to keep a guard from possible predators during their most vulnerable moments. Blinking at you while pooping could be, "thanks for having my back, mate!"
Always remember that every pupper is unique, so they may not progress in potty training as fast as other dogs. But have patience - they'll get there! Dogs instinctively want to please and most would do anything to impress their human.
More articles for new puppy parents
Choosing Toys for Your New Puppy
How to Teach Your Puppy to Sit
The Importance of Socialisation