What’s one of the most challenging parts of raising a puppy? Potty training or house training.
Folks who have had multiple dogs over the years know that it never really gets easier, you just become more patient and learn a few tricks of the trade.
While we can’t guarantee that your house will be totally mess-free and peaceful during this process, we can give you a proven potty training outline that reduces accidents and will help you keep a bit of sanity.
Let’s look at the key points when potty training a puppy.
Start by using a crate
It may not be the preferred method, since we don’t like to see our new little buddies confined, but using crate time the right way is your first step to potty-training success.
As the American Kennel Club points out, the crate creates a clear distinction between inside and out, which is an important principle to drill down early on. Because the crate becomes equated with personal space, the pup will not want to make a mess inside of it, meaning they’ll naturally want to escape to do their business.
In the early days of your dog’s life at home, don’t be afraid to keep them crate-bound for a few hours a day, and make sure you respond quickly if they start clawing at the cage.
You’ll be tempted to play with your pup on the couch or carpet, but it’s important that you bring them outside to go potty as soon as…