A guide to toilet training your puppy
We can all agree that puppies are cute and adorable, but they also require a lot of care and training – including toilet training. From socialisation to feeding and general obedience, there’s plenty to manage when it comes to training your fur-bestie. To make toilet training easier, here are some essential tips to keep in mind. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to success!
When to start toilet training your puppy
The ideal age to start toilet training your puppy is between 8-12 weeks. Sometimes, younger pups (under 8 weeks) can have some bladder control issues, but older puppies (12 weeks and up) usually catch on pretty quickly. It’s good to remember that patience is the key, and accidents can happen throughout the process – it’s normal! They’re learning, and so are you.
Most puppies get the hang of potty training by around 6 months old, though some may grasp it earlier, around 4-5 months. Every dog learns at their own pace, so it’s important to be patient, stay consistent, and trust the process. Regardless of how long it might take!
How to tell when your puppy needs to go
Common signs your puppy needs the toilet
There are a few different signs your dog will show when they need to use the toilet. These can typically include sniffing around, fidgeting, and beginning to circle before squatting. A whining or pacing dog may also be indicating that they need to go to the toilet, as well as a dog that has been chewing on something for a while and suddenly moves to do something else.
Keeping an eye on your pup during the toilet training process and watching out for these signs can lead to fewer accidents.
When puppies are most likely to need a toilet break
It’s also important to get into the habit of taking your puppy out according to timings. The key times are after waking up from a nap, after eating or drinking, after playtime, when visitors come over and before going to bed.
Puppies can’t hold their bladder for that long, so give them plenty of opportunities to go. This will change as they get older, but it’s good to get into this routine with your puppy – they will also expect it and will get into the habit of knowing when it’s time to go!
How to respond quickly
Choose a private area where you would like your pup to toilet – this might be a pee pad on your apartment balcony, or in a bathroom, or outside in the backyard. The moment your pup indicates they need to go, calmly take them to the area you’ve decided on. This teaches them that they need to go to this spot or area when they feel the need to go to the toilet. Gently pick up your pup and take them into the right area so they associate the act of going outside with the feeling they’re getting. Before you know it, they’ll catch onto it and will usually go in the right space!
How puppies learn: Building positive associations with toilet training
When it comes to going to the toilet, puppies will associate an area with a toilet because of the following factors:
- Smell: Smell of urine, faeces or ammonia which will indicate where they can or can’t go.
- Location: When training, try to take them to the same spot every time. That way, your puppy will associate that spot with going to the toilet.
- Surface: The feeling of the surface beneath their paws.
- Commands: When trained, dogs will start to associate certain words, commands or sounds with going to the toilet.
It’s also a good idea to take your puppy out frequently. Puppies have small bladders, so it is recommended to take them out every one to two hours! When it’s time, pop your puppy on a lead and take them to the designated toilet spot. Once there, be patient as your puppy may not go instantly. Give them time, but don’t play while waiting otherwise your puppy might confuse toilet time with play time!
Don’t worry if your puppy doesn’t want to go. Simply take them back inside and try again a little later – dogs need some time to adjust to this change, and it won’t happen straight away. Practice makes perfect!
If your puppy does go, make sure to reward them straight away. Use encouraging words and praise them for going to the toilet in the right spot.
It’s also a good idea to have a little play outside once your puppy has successfully gone to the toilet. This ensures your puppy associates outside with their toilet space and a place they can play, rather than one or the other. It’s the perfect reward for both you and your pup!
Repetition creates a routine
Taking your puppy out to the same spot to the toilet, consistently helps them associate the location with toileting. It’s important to decide on this place and always take your puppy here so they start to build an association with it, and what it means.
The best piece of advice is to use a consistent command each time you take your puppy to the toilet, such as "toilet." Say it before and during the act, so they learn to associate the word with going to the bathroom. Hearing the command will signal to them that it’s time to go.
Immediate reward for the right behaviour
Reward-based positive reinforcement is a successful and effective way of toilet training, which is loved by many trainers. Your pup will soon associate going to the toilet in the correct spot, with the fact that they’re doing something right – and they’ll feel good about it!
The reward itself can be in the form of praise, whether it’s talking to your puppy, a long pat, a tummy rub or even playing together – choose something you know your furry mate will love. As long as you’re talking and interacting in a positive and upbeat manner, you are reinforcing good behaviour. You can also give your dog a delicious treat or their favourite toy to play with as a reward.
Avoid negative associations
Never shout, become angry, say ‘no’, or punish your dog for going in the wrong spot – this doesn’t teach your dog where to go. On the flip side it does teach them to be scared about going in front of you, which can make training them much harder. Clean up the mess really well, and then try again next time. Accidents are normal and are bound to happen when toilet training a pup!
Scent-based learning
Puppies often return to previously soiled areas because of the lingering scents. It’s important to use ammonia-free cleaning products and make sure you clean it well when your puppy has an accident. If the area smells like the toilet area to your pup, they will sure enough continue to use it as one.
If you find yourself transitioning from pads to outdoor training, move the used pad closer to the outdoor spot to help bridge the association. With time, this will help your puppy understand where they should be going to the toilet.
Final thoughts and encouragement
There are other elements that need to be considered, especially if your dog is having a hard time picking up toilet training. For example, being cooped up for too long can stall the process. If you’re going to go out for a while, it’s a good idea to leave your puppy in a spot where they can use the toilet if they need to.
Remember that your puppy has gone through a big change coming into your home. It’s a brand new environment with new people, and this can affect the way they learn and adapt to these changes – this can take a lot of adjustment, for you and them! Be kind to your puppy and give them time to adjust.
If you’re struggling with toilet training your puppy, chat to your vet about it. Occasionally there may be a medical reason why your puppy has issues with toilet training, and it’s good to find out how you can help them – especially if they’re in pain. Your vet is the perfect professional to help you with this and advise you how to treat the issue.
Toilet training is an essential part of raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy - but accidents can and will happen!