Getting a new puppy is easily one of the most exciting (and challenging) times of life.
And teaching your puppy how to go to the potty is one of the first main challenges you'll encounter.
By nature, dog's don't like to pee or poop near where they sleep or eat. However, at the same time, your puppy won't know where they should do their business.
You'll have to train them.
And here's how to do that:
1. The Rule of Thumb You Should Know
Your puppy can only hold its bladder for so long.
How long?
A good rule of thumb is approximately one hour per month, plus another hour.
So if your puppy is 4 months old, they should be let out to go potty about every 5 hours (4 months old + 1 hour = 5 hours).
When you first get your puppy, and in an ideal world, you should take them out every hour.
That sets them up for success (rather than waiting for the maximum amount of time to pass every time).
2. Keep Your Puppy on a Leash
Until your puppy really knows the potty routine, you should keep them on a leash.
This is because you want your puppy to stay focused on the fact that you are out to go to the potty...and that's it.
Otherwise, your puppy may turn potty time into a play session!
And you don't want to deal with that at 2:00 AM!
When you take your puppy out, put them on their leash, walk straight to their designated potty spot, and tell them "go potty."
Then, reinforce the behavior with a treat once they successfully go.
Keep visiting the same spot every time because your puppy will smell their scent from previous visits. This encourages them to get right to their business every time.
3. Know Your Puppy's Potty Signs
Every puppy has their own potty signals. They might start sniffing around the ground, walk in a circle, hunch their back, or even start to squat.
Continue to give your puppy a potty break every hour. And also follow the rule of thumb described earlier.
On top of all that, make sure you watch for the previously described signs. When you see one, quickly grab treats and run your puppy out to their potty spot.
Make sure you follow the same routine described in the previous point.
4. Crate Your Puppy When You Can't Supervise
Remember how dogs don't like to go potty where they sleep or eat?
Use that to help your puppy succeed.
It's important that you know that your puppy will still go potty in their crate if you make them wait longer than they can hold it.
So, you still need to be aware of the potty rule of thumb and/or taking your puppy out every hour.
Don't use your puppy's crate as a tool of punishment, either. That will make them want to avoid their crate.
5. What If Your Puppy Has an Accident?
No puppy will perfectly go to the potty outside every time. Yours will have an accident at some point.
...What's the most effective way to handle that if it should happen?
It's not punishment.
That's only confuses or scares them. And it only hurts the near-sacred bond you build with your puppy. Your puppy may also learn how to hide their pooping and peeing from you, which will only lead to more accidents.
Instead, simply ignore the matter. Undesirable dog behaviors should always be ignored or redirected.
Keep up with the positive potty routine...and accidents, which you want to avoid, will become a thing of the past.
6. Clean Accidents Thoroughly So Your Puppy Doesn't Have a Scent Marker
Remember how leaving the scent behind helps your puppy know where to pee or poop the next time?
That's called a "scent marker."
And it's fine if your puppy has one where you want them to do their business - outside.
But if they pee or poop inside, make sure you clean up the accident thoroughly so your puppy doesn't use the area as a scent marker.
That's pretty much it.
As long as you're consistent with the potty routine, your puppy will get it.
And eventually, you won't have to worry about accidents at all!