Puppy Toilet Training: Tips and Tricks
Toilet training your puppy is one of the first and most important lessons you’ll teach them. A well-trained puppy will develop good habits early on, reducing accidents and ensuring a cleaner, happier home. At ASCENDK9, we understand that this process can be challenging, so here are some expert tips to help make puppy potty training a smooth and successful experience.
Establish a Puppy Toilet Schedule
One of the best ways to ensure success is by setting a consistent puppy toilet schedule. Puppies have small bladders and need frequent potty breaks. A good rule of thumb is to take your puppy outside:
First thing in the morning
After eating or drinking
After playtime
Before bedtime
Every 1-2 hours during the day (depending on their age)
By following a set routine, your puppy will quickly learn when and where they should go.
Take Your Puppy Outside Frequently
While some people use puppy pads, we advise against this approach as it can teach your puppy to go to the toilet indoors. Instead, take them outside as often as possible to reinforce the habit of going outdoors. If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor access, try setting up a designated outdoor spot and stick to a strict schedule to encourage outdoor toileting. Reward your puppy when they go outside to strengthen this behaviour.
Puppy Crate Toilet Training
Puppy crate training is an effective method for teaching bladder control. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so using a crate can help with potty training. To make puppy crate toilet training successful:
Choose an appropriately sized crate (big enough for comfort, but not large enough for a separate toilet space)
Take your puppy out regularly to prevent accidents
Never use the crate as punishment
If your puppy is whining in the crate, they might need a potty break
If your puppy is crying in the crate, check if they need to go outside or if they just need comfort
Reward-Based Training
Positive reinforcement is key to effective puppy potty training. Every time your puppy goes in the right place, reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. This will help reinforce good behavior and encourage them to repeat it.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Some common mistakes can slow down the potty training your puppy process. Here are some things to avoid:
Using puppy pads – This can encourage your puppy to go indoors rather than learning to go outside
Punishing accidents – Instead, clean up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner and redirect them to the correct potty area
Being inconsistent – Stick to a schedule and routine
Leaving food and water available all the time – Control feeding times to predict bathroom breaks better
Patience and Persistence Pay Off
Every puppy learns at their own pace, so patience is key. Whether using a puppy potty area or puppy crate training, staying consistent will help your puppy develop good toilet habits. Celebrate small victories, and before you know it, your puppy will be fully trained!
Still struggling with puppy toilet training? We can help! At ASCENDK9, we offer virtual lessons to guide you through effective toilet training techniques. Whether you're facing frequent accidents, an inconsistent schedule, or difficulty reinforcing outdoor potty habits, our expert trainer will provide step-by-step support tailored to your puppy's needs. Book a virtual lesson today and take the guesswork out of toilet training!