How to potty train a puppy

You’ve picked out your new furry friend and the excitement in your house is really high. There’s so much fun in the future – love and cuddles on the way – but you need to know how to potty train your puppy to help those early days go smoothly. Use our puppy training tips to get the job done quickly.

The best way to potty train a puppy quickly is to create a plan the whole family can get involved with. Get everyone to agree on the schedule and stick to it. Remember to keep a powerful, bleach-based cleaner like Domestos Thick Bleach close by to get rid of any germs caused by accidents during this potty training phase!

Dog training at home begins before they arrive

When it comes to figuring out how to house train a puppy, preparation is massively important. Before home training begins, you need to provide your new puppy with a clean and comfy environment:

• Clean and rid your home of strong odours: particularly any urine stains, as your puppy will go straight to them. Use a powerful, bleach-based cleaner like Domestos Thick Bleach.

• Get your supplies: leash, comfy bedding etc. – everything you need to ease them into potty training. Dogs need consistency and familiarity, so it’s best to have everything set up before they arrive.

How to potty train your dog with a daily routine

Without a doubt, the best way to potty train a puppy quickly is by setting a daily routine and sticking to it. Being consistent will help settle your puppy, and start to condition it to know where – and when – to do its business. Here’s when and how to potty train a dog:

1. First thing: take the dog outside and wait for it to go – be patient, as this can take a while early on.

2. Reward: once your puppy has done what they need to do, reward them with cuddles and playtime.

3. Feeding: next up, give your dog some food and water. They may show signs of needing to go to the toilet again immediately after, so be ready! Signs include sniffing around or exhibiting fidgeting behaviour.

4. Morning: it’s important for someone to stay with your puppy at all times whilst you’re potty training. It’s a good idea early on to keep them in one room – they’ll feel more secure, and your job will be a lot easier.

5. Lunchtime: give your dog some more food, wait a little time if you can, and take them outside to go to the toilet. All the while you’re reinforcing the routine, so they start to learn when it’s time to go.

6. Post-lunch: after your puppy’s had success, reward again and then keep in a designated room, until evening meal time.

7. Dinner: feed for the final time and then repeat the toilet-reward process.

8. Last drink: offer your dog a drink at a chosen time (8pm-ish is a good guide) and then take them out.

9. Bedtime: take them for one last toilet stop 2 to 3 hours after the last trip, then put your puppy in a room overnight to avoid accidents.

That’s how to potty train a dog! The key is routine – follow one and your chance of getting it done quickly is much higher. Now that you know how to potty train your puppy you can look forward to less stress and enjoy plenty of love and cuddles with your new best friend.

• Make sure your house is clean and clear of strong odours before the puppy arrives.

• Make a potty training puppy schedule and stick to it.

• Always have someone with the pup – get the whole family involved.

• Be consistent, reward success and be patient!