Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most important tasks you’ll need to tackle in those early weeks and months is potty training your furry friend. It’s essential to establish good habits early on, so your pup can grow up happy and healthy in a clean, safe environment. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive schedule for puppy potty training by age that will help make the process as smooth as possible. So grab some treats and get ready to train your new best friend!
Use your pup’s food for training!
Using your pup’s food for training is an excellent way to reinforce good behavior and establish a positive relationship with your furry friend. Instead of feeding them all at once, divide their daily intake into several small meals throughout the day.
When it comes time for a training session, use a portion of their meal as treats. Not only does this help prevent overfeeding, but it also ensures that they’re getting proper nutrition while learning new skills.
Make sure to choose high-quality food that meets your puppy’s specific needs based on factors like breed and size. You can even mix in some healthy snacks like fruits or veggies for added variety.
Using food as a reward helps make training sessions more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you two! Just remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, so your furry friend can learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
Be Patient and Consistent!
Puppy potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s important to remember that accidents happen and progress takes time. This is where patience and consistency come in.
Firstly, it’s essential to remain patient with your pup throughout the training process. Puppies are still learning about the world around them, so they may not always understand what you’re trying to teach them right away. Avoid getting angry or scolding your puppy when accidents occur – this will only confuse and stress them out.
Secondly, consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Establishing a routine for feeding times, bathroom breaks, and crate/pen time can help your puppy learn faster. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same schedule so as not to confuse your pup.
Remember that puppies have small bladders and need frequent trips outside during the day (and night). Stick with a consistent schedule of taking them out every few hours until they start signaling on their own that they need to go outside.
By remaining patient and consistent with your pup’s potty training regimen, you’ll set both yourself and your furry friend up for success!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
When it comes to puppy potty training, one of the most important things you can do is practice, practice, practice! This means consistently taking your pup outside to go potty and rewarding them when they do so in the appropriate spot.
It’s crucial to establish a routine for your pup so they know when it’s time to go outside. This could mean taking them out first thing in the morning, after meals, before bedtime, and throughout the day at regular intervals. The more times your pup goes outside and successfully eliminates in the right place, the more likely they are to form good habits.
While practicing with your pup may seem tedious at times, it’s essential for their development and well-being. Remember that puppies have small bladders and may need to go out frequently – even every hour or two – during certain stages of their training.
Consistency is key when it comes to successful puppy potty training. Keep up with practicing regularly with patience and positive reinforcement. Your efforts will pay off as you help shape your furry friend into a well-trained companion!
8-10 Weeks Old
During this stage, your puppy is still getting used to their new surroundings and may not have full control over their bladder. It’s important to take them out frequently, especially after naps and mealtimes.
At 8-10 weeks old, aim to take your pup outside every hour or two during the day. When they do go potty outside, make sure to reward them with lots of praise and a treat.
It’s also important to establish a designated spot for your puppy to go potty. This will help them associate that area with doing their business and make it easier for you in the long run.
Be patient if accidents happen inside – it’s all part of the learning process! Use an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet messes to clean up any accidents thoroughly and prevent lingering odors.
Remember that consistency is key during this stage of training. Stick to a routine as much as possible and be prepared for frequent outings. With time, patience, and positive reinforcement, your pup will soon learn where they’re supposed to go potty!
Puppy Potty Training Schedule By Age
Puppy Potty Training Schedule By Age
10-12 Weeks Old
At 10-12 weeks old, your puppy is starting to become more aware of their surroundings and developing a sense of routine. This is an important time for potty training as it sets the foundation for future success.
During this age range, puppies should be taken outside every 1-2 hours during the day and after meals. It’s also important to take them out first thing in the morning and before bed at night. Make sure to praise them when they go potty outside.
However, accidents may still happen inside the house so it’s crucial to supervise your pup closely and keep them on a consistent feeding schedule. If you catch them in the act of going potty inside, interrupt with a firm “no” and immediately take them outside.
It’s normal for puppies to have some setbacks during this stage so don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow. Stay patient, consistent, and positive with your training methods. Remember that each puppy learns at their own pace!
Read More: Why Do Dogs Lick Other Dogs Ears?
3-4 Months Old
At 3-4 months old, your puppy is starting to understand their routine and the rules of the house. They are also gaining better bladder control and can hold it for longer periods. However, accidents may still happen so it’s important to remain patient and consistent with their potty training.
During this age range, you should aim to take your pup outside every 2-3 hours or after meals, playtime, or naps. Watch for signs that they need to go such as sniffing around or circling in one spot.
Make sure to praise them when they successfully go outside but avoid scolding if there is an accident indoors. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaner that will eliminate any scent.
It’s also a good time to start teaching them verbal commands for going potty such as “go potty” or “do your business”. Consistently using these phrases will help them associate the words with the action.
Remember that every puppy learns at their own pace so don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow. Stick with the routine and continue providing positive reinforcement for success.
4-6 Months Old
During the 4-6 months old age range, your puppy will start to gain more control over their bladder and bowel movements. However, accidents may still occur if you’re not consistent with potty training.
One way to help prevent accidents is by increasing the length of time between potty breaks. Gradually extend the time between trips outside and praise them heavily when they go to the correct spot.
It’s also important to continue crate training during this stage. Your pup should feel comfortable spending short periods of time in their crate without having an accident inside.
If your puppy does have an accident indoors, don’t punish them. Instead, clean it up thoroughly and supervise them more closely until they are consistently going outside.
Remember that every puppy learns at their own pace and there may be setbacks along the way. Stay patient and consistent with training for the best results!
6 Months – 1 Year Old
At six months to one year old, your puppy has already learned the basics of potty training. However, accidents may still happen from time to time due to their still-developing bladder control. It’s important to maintain a consistent potty schedule and keep rewarding good behavior.
During this stage, you can start lengthening the intervals between bathroom breaks as your pup gains more control over its bladder. You can also begin teaching them specific cues for going outside or using designated indoor pads.
As your dog grows older and bigger, you’ll need to be mindful of any changes in routine that might affect their bathroom habits. For example, if you’re traveling with your pup or moving homes, it might take some time for them to adjust and feel comfortable going potty in new surroundings.
Remember that patience and consistency are key when it comes to successful potty training at every age. Keep up with positive reinforcement techniques and always be ready with treats and praise whenever your furry friend does well!
Final Notes
Puppy Potty Training Schedule By Age
Potty training your puppy is a process that requires patience, consistency, and practice. By following the guidelines provided in this article for each age range, you will be able to establish a successful potty training schedule for your furry friend.
Remember to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise when your pup successfully goes outside or on their designated pee pad area. Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement as this can cause fear and anxiety in your pet.
Additionally, it’s important to note that accidents happen during the potty training process. Be prepared with cleaning supplies and don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks along the way.
By implementing these tips into your puppy’s potty training routine, you’ll have them trained in no time! Happy Training!
