Puppy Toilet Training: A Step By Step Guide

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a thrilling journey that is full of love and cuddles until the challenging task of puppy toilet training begins. This stage can be a difficult experience that causes a lot of new pet owners to feel stressed.

But what if we told you that there’s a proven method to toilet train your puppy? Yes, we have cracked the code for toilet or potty training, and we are ready to share our secrets with you.

In this guide, we will provide you with the resources and information needed to speed up your dog’s toilet training progress. We will divide the process into daily steps that are easy to handle for you and your dog, so you can say goodbye to late-night wake-up calls and the constant clean-up crew in between messes.

So, let’s start this journey of toilet training together and transform your puppy into the well-behaved hero they are meant to be.

Why Early Training Matters

Your puppy is like a blank page, waiting to be filled with the shades of positive behaviours. But  when is the right time for their toilet training to begin? Typically, toilet training is most successful between 8 to 12 weeks of age. This is the period when your puppy’s control over their bladder and bowels starts to improve, making them easier to train.

These precious early months are crucial for molding their personality and building a close relationship with you. By dedicating time and energy to training early on, you are establishing a foundation for a content and well-behaved furry friend. Keep in mind too that each puppy is unique and their rate of learning can be different. So, show patience and remain consistent, and you will soon have a companion who is house-trained.

There is one “Do Not” before we start

Do Not use those blue and white puppy piddle mats! You see, puppies have what’s called a “Learnt Behaviour” while we have a “Logical Behaviour.” We know that those piddle mats are for the pup to go potty on. The puppy learns that a mat on the floor, any mat is for going on.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s the front door mat, the back door mat, the coffee table mat or the carpet. Anything on the floor is fair game as far as he’s concerned.

Toilet Training In 7 Days

Day 1: Building Routine, Establishing Boundaries

Day one is all about setting the stage for toilet training success. We’re talking routines, boundaries, and a little bit of crate training (if you’re into that sort of thing).

First things first, let’s establish a regular feeding schedule for your pup. This helps predict toilet breaks, making them much simpler to handle as puppies go to the toilet after every meal and every time they wake up. Bear in mind, small stomachs, and small bladders – you may have to go outside more often than you’re used to.

Day 2: Establishing A Toilet Spot

Okay, let’s get started on teaching your puppy where to go potty. The first step is to pick a special outdoor spot. This might be a sunny spot on the lawn, a peaceful nook in the yard, or a specified zone on your balcony. After selecting your location, it’s time to create a routine.

Every time you take your puppy outside, bring them to this same spot. Don’t forget to put your puppy on a puppy training lead before toilet breaks to keep them on the right track. Then,  use simple words like “go potty” or “do your business” or “wee wee” so they start to connect the place with the action.

And remember, praise is powerful. So, when your puppy succeeds, tell him he’s a “good boy” or tell her she’s a “good girl.” Trust us, the more you stick to this routine, the quicker your puppy will learn that this is their toilet place.

Day 3: Schedule Toilet Breaks

Coming up next, toilet breaks. At this point, your puppy should be grasping things more, but it’s important to stay consistent. Every half hour or hour, take the puppy and go to your chosen toilet spot. Yes, it may seem like you’re constantly cleaning up after messes, but believe us, it will be worth it in the end.

Make sure to consistently use the same term when you take your pet for a bathroom break; a straightforward command like “go potty” or “wee wees” is effective. Crate training is not required, but it can be very helpful. Make sure the crate is comfortable and not too large if you choose to give it a try. Keep in mind that it’s a place of safety, not a jail for puppies.

Day 4: Master the Potty Signs

Day 4 is about becoming toilet prediction experts. Keep a watchful eye on your puppy’s behaviour. Do they start sniffing around, circling, or whining? These are often signs they need to go potty. The quicker you catch these cues, the better.

Every time you notice these signals, take your puppy to their designated toilet spot right away. Use consistent commands like “go potty” to reinforce the behavior. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be able to anticipate your puppy’s needs and prevent accidents.

Day 5: Handling Mishaps

By now, accidents should be fewer and farther between. However, they can still happen, especially with younger puppies. The key is to handle them calmly and consistently.

If you catch your puppy in the act, bend down and give the puppy a “scruffing” and then take it straight outside to the designated spot. It’s important the puppy understands that toileting in the house is not allowed. This reinforces the correct behavior. Remember, accidents are a normal part of the training process. Stay patient and consistent, and you’ll be enjoying a fully house-trained pup in no time.

Day 6:  Progress Check

In only six days, you’ve made significant progress. At this point, your puppy should be demonstrating signs of getting better. Consistency remains crucial, so continue the positive habits with regular routines and incentives. If you’re facing continuous toilet or potty training challenges, it would help if you can talk to your veterinarian to exclude any potential medical problems. On occasion, bodily discomfort can impact the advancement of toilet training.

Keep in mind that each puppy has its own individuality. Some individuals may learn toilet training easily, while others might need more time to understand. Nevertheless, acknowledge and appreciate small wins and don’t let setbacks bring you down. By being patient and persistent, you’ll reach your toilet training goals.

Day 7: You Did It!

You’ve done it! You’ve come a long way and hard work is paying off. A week of commitment and regularity has shown results. Your puppy must consistently use the assigned potty spot.

Don’t forget that the key is being consistent. Continue doing well by sticking to a consistent schedule and giving your dog some praise for going outdoors. Despite being well-behaved, your puppy may still have challenges, especially when feeling stressed or excited. Even so, remain calm and optimistic.

Have a great time bonding with your furry companion. You have established a solid base for a joyful and peaceful relationship!

Extra Toilet Training Tips

As your pet gets older, their bladder size also increases. You can slowly increase the duration between toilet visits to assist them in developing the ability to hold it for longer periods. Begin by increasing the duration of each break by 15 to 30 minutes.

Additionally, monitor your puppy closely for any signals they need to relieve themselves, and consistently reward them with praise, a pat on the head or show some love when they go outdoors to do their potty business. 

Your Partner in Raising a Happy, Well-Behaved Pup

So, there you have it! You’ve successfully completed a week of intensive puppy toilet training. By establishing routines, providing consistent rewards, and understanding your puppy’s cues, you’ve made significant progress. And while puppy toilet training is a major milestone, there’s still a whole world of puppy fun to explore. From socialisation, exercise, and regular vet check-ups the adventure continues.

At  Success Puppy Training, we believe in supporting you every step of the way. Our resources and community are here to help you navigate the exciting world of puppy parenthood.

Let’s create a well-behaved and happy pup together. Visit our website today for everything puppy-related, or contact us for expert advice!