How to Potty Train a Puppy (Raya’s Real Life Example!)

If you’re looking to learn how to potty train a puppy (fast!), check out our real life example. We were able to fully potty train our mini Bernedoodle in less than two months.

In fact, just 6 weeks after we started potty training, we were brave and confident enough to travel with her over 600 miles across states.

In this blog post, we will share a real-life example of how to successfully potty train a puppy.

By following these practical tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a clean and accident-free home!

Let’s dive in!

(Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through one of the links and make a qualified purchase.)

Potty Train Early

Start to potty train a puppy early!

Our potty training began the moment Raya came into our home.

We picked her up at about 5 pm on a Thursday. Immediately when we arrived home, we allowed her some time on the grass so she could pee before going inside.

We had picked up some training treats before that, so when she went potty we were able to reward her immediately!

Establish a Consistent Potty Train Routine

According to the American Kennel Club, establishing a consistent routine is vital to housetraining success!

Based on our work schedules, we figured out at what times we could take Raya out to potty so we could maintain consistent.

Since she was only 4 months old when we got her, and she had received zero potty training, we started from scratch as if she was a younger puppy.

Our routine consisted of taking her out every two hours the first week or so, and then slowly increasing the time in between potty breaks.

We also made sure to work out her feeding schedule throughout this time so that we would take her out about one hour after she ate.

Other times included first thing in the morning, after playtime, and before bedtime.

Watch for Signs

Learn to recognize your puppy’s potty cues.

We noticed for example that Raya would start sitting in a weird way with a leg off to one side. She would also start sniffing around the area intently.

As soon as she started showing these cues, we would take her out to the spot we had designated for her to potty.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your puppy with praise, treats, or a favorite toy immediately after they eliminate in the appropriate spot.

Avoid punishment or scolding, as it can confuse and hinder the training process.

We always went out with a treat pack and some of Raya’s favorite treats in it so we could reward her as soon as she went potty.

At first, we didn’t use any command. We just gave Raya a treat every time she went potty. Once she knew to expect the treat for her action, we established the voice command to go with it.

Establish a Command

Introduce a verbal cue or command, such as “Go potty” as soon as your puppy starts going.

Repeat the command consistently and in a positive tone. Eventually, your puppy will associate the command with the action and understand what is expected of them.

We wanted to have specific commands with Raya, so we use “go pee” and “go poop”.

This has also helped us a great deal when we take her out now, since she now can communicate to us if she needs more time to poop or if she just wanted to go out for a quick pee.

After she’s peed, we always ask her “do you wanna go poop?”. Since she’s now familiar with the command, she knows what we’re asking her and she can respond with interest or not.

Set Up a Confined Space

When you cannot directly supervise your puppy, confine them to a small, puppy-proofed area.

This can be a crate or a playpen to limit their access to the rest of the house.

Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping and eating areas, which will encourage them to hold their bladder.

We got a playpen for Raya where we would have her bed, a few toys, bowls with a bit of water and food, and a pee pad on top of an artificial grass puppy pad.

This allowed us to quickly clean up any messes while recreating the grass feel as much as possible for her.

Clean Accidents Right Away

Accidents are bound to happen. Clean any indoor accidents thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the odor.

Proper cleaning reduces the likelihood of repeat accidents in the same area.

Be Patient

Remember, potty training takes time and effort.

Each puppy learns at their own pace, so stay patient and consistent with the training process.

Celebrate small victories and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

With persistence and a positive attitude, your puppy will eventually grasp the concept of potty training.

Just a month after we got Raya, she was already holding her bladder for about 4 hours at a time. And 2 weeks after that we were able to travel 600 miles across states with her with minimal interruptions.

As a one year old, Raya can now hold her bladder for a full workday if she needs to.

Related Posts

How to House Train a Puppy: Potty Training 101

Bringing a Puppy Home: Making the First Day a Success

How to Train a Bernedoodle: Step by Step Guide

Conclusion

Potty training a puppy requires dedication, consistency, and understanding.

By following these real-life tips and techniques, you can effectively potty train your furry friend.

Remember, each puppy is unique, so adapt the training methods to suit your puppy’s needs.

With patience and perseverance, you’ll celebrate the day when accidents become a thing of the past, and your puppy becomes a proud graduate of potty training!

Recommended Resources