One of the first things you need to do when you get that puppy is housebreaking or potty training. This will require a lot of patience and training, but it is a straightforward process. You will need to develop a timeline for the training and stick with it. You will need to set some time in your schedule. Most importantly, do not get discouraged.
Your puppy will need to go out first thing in the morning. This may involve many early mornings. We were routinely getting up at 5:30 am with Poe. At this point you should be well into the crate training, so keep your crate in the room or nearby so you can hear the slightest whimper. Get up right away and get him/her out right away. Their bladders are not developed, and they may not be able to hold it very long.
Next, you will want to take them out within a half hour of their morning feeding and water. Be sure to monitor their water intake also.
Puppies’ bladders will develop over time and grow stronger. As they grow, they will be able to hold it in longer. Using the month plus one rule is a good rule of thumb to figure out how long a puppy will have to go out. Take your puppy’s age and add 1 month to it. That will give you an idea of how long they can hold it. So, if you have a 4-month-old puppy, add 1 month. They will need to be let out every 5 hours. This will help you plan when you must go to work or need to go out.
Keep the potty training positive. Praise your puppy every time they go potty. Do not yell at them if they start going in the house. Just get their attention so they stop and carry them outside. Yelling at them will only scare them and they will not know what they did wrong.
Finally, let them out before you go to bed. Then put them in their crate before bed. Your puppy can hold it longer when they are asleep or inactive.
It is important to schedule activities, meals, walks, and playtimes regularly during your puppy’s formative months, and will make sure you have a well-potty-trained puppy.
If you got a new puppy and need help keeping their schedule when you are at work or out on the town, give us a call and we can help with our Potty and Play Visits and Dog Walking services.