How to Deal with Puppy Potty Training Problems
Potty training can be overwhelming because every puppy is different. You need to consider your schedule and living situation to come up with the best way to train them. If you are having problems with teaching your pup to go outside, it helps to know about some of the potential reasons they might not be picking up on this life skill. Doing so can help you teach them accordingly and establish a loving relationship.
Potty Problems Due to Human Issues
If your pup is pooping or peeing in the house, be sure to re-evaluate your training methods and the environment by asking yourself the following questions:
Do You Take Your Pup Out Often?
Depending on their age, you may need to take your dog out every 30 minutes to 4 hours. Doing so will help prevent any accidents at home, making puppy training more effective.
Do You Take Them Out Soon After They Eat or Drink?
Young puppies often need to go to the bathroom around 10 to 20 minutes after drinking water or eating. Working out when their bladder is full is a crucial aspect of puppy potty training. Observe and learn if they can hold it longer or need to go immediately so that you can schedule your trips outside accordingly.
Are You Giving Your Pup a Potty Break After Waking Them?
Sometimes, your puppy may need a bathroom break as soon as they come out of their crate or wake up. Be sure to include a quick trip to the outdoors in your morning rituals to help them empty their bladder.
Are You Paying Proper Attention to Your Dog?
Active supervision is critical for puppy potty training. Failing to notice accidents will prolong the training and may undo some of the progress you’ve made with your puppy. This is because if your pup has an accident and doesn’t get any further instructions, they will not know what the desired behaviour is or what’s expected of them.
Is Your Pup Able to Make the Connection?
Be sure to let your dog know that accidents inside the house are bad behaviour. You can do so by immediately interrupting their accidents. Avoid yelling or punishing your pup and take them outside so they can finish their business. Praise them for good behaviour once they are done to help them learn that they should not empty their bladder inside the house.
Do They Know How to Signal You for Potty Breaks?
If your puppy understands that they need to go outside for bathroom breaks but keeps having accidents near the door, they may not understand how to signal you on time. Consider adding a bell or some other audible alert so that your pup can let you know that they need a potty break.
Do You Use Positive Reinforcement?
Puppy training is all about ensuring your pup understands what you want them to do. When your pup finishes doing their business, be sure to praise them. This helps them learn that they did what you wanted and in the right place. You may use treats, praises, and play to make it more fun and encourage them to get it right every time.
Are You Consistent?
Repetition is crucial when it comes to puppy training. Consistency can help your pup get trained quickly. It helps to use the same door and take them to the same spot each time you go out to speed up potty training. Also, inform other family members of the details and patterns to avoid confusion.
Do You Clean Up Properly After In-House Accidents?
After an accident inside the house, it is essential to clean thoroughly and quickly with the proper cleaners. This will help ensure your pup doesn’t use the same spot to empty their bladder in future. Consider using bio-based and enzymatic cleaners to remove the stain and smell. Be sure to eliminate the odour, and then steam clean the area to disinfect it correctly.
Potty Problems Due to Puppy Issues
Sometimes, potty training problems have nothing to do with your training. Instead, they may be a result of medical issues or something you would not have thought of.
If your pup is peeing in the house, it could be because of:
- Liver disease
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Cystitis or bladder inflammation
If they are pooping in the house, the reason could be:
- Being fed large meals or increasing the frequency of food intake
- Intestinal parasites such as worms, Giardia, and more
- Inflammation in the pancreas, stomach, or intestines
- Consuming rich foods too often
- Pancreatic enzyme deficiency
It is best to know that while some puppies learn the essentials of potty training quickly, others may take more time to pick up on it. Be patient, consistent, and help them understand how you want them to behave. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of an underlying medical issue that could be causing the potty problems. If you notice anything unusual, take your puppy to a vet and get them tested.
We Provide the Best Puppy Training & Preschool Programs
Alpha Paws is a reputable name when it comes to puppy training. We specialize in working through behavioural issues and basic obedience training for dogs of all types and ages. We teach proper conduct, demeanour, and obedience. We can also help with crate training and puppy potty training sessions. We will help you establish the foundation for a happy, healthy, and loving relationship with your dog.
If you have any questions about potty training a pup, be sure to call us at 905-830-9500 or toll-free at 1-877-868-7297. You could also fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help you and your pup in any way we can.
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