When you get a new puppy, one of the first things you’ll need to teach them is proper bathroom etiquette. No one wants to deal with accidents on the carpet or unpleasant smells throughout the house.

Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can have your puppy fully trained in no time.

Step One: Establish a Routine

The first step in teaching your puppy proper bathroom etiquette is to establish a routine. Puppies need to go outside frequently, especially after eating or drinking.

By setting a schedule, you can anticipate when your puppy needs to go out and ensure that they don’t have accidents inside the house.

Start by taking your puppy out first thing in the morning and giving them plenty of time to do their business. Throughout the day, take your puppy out every 2-3 hours. It’s especially important to take them out after meals and right before bed.

As your puppy gets older, they’ll be able to hold their bladder for longer periods of time. Until then, be consistent with your schedule to avoid accidents and build good habits.

Step Two: Choose a Specific Spot

Once you’ve established a routine, it’s essential to choose a specific spot for your puppy to use the bathroom. This consistency helps your puppy learn to associate a particular area with going potty.

When you take your puppy to their designated spot, use a specific command like “go potty” or “do your business.” Eventually, your puppy will associate that command with the act of going to the bathroom.

By using this command consistently, you can communicate more effectively with your puppy and avoid confusion.

Step Three: Reward Good Behavior

The final step in teaching your puppy proper bathroom etiquette is to reward good behavior. When your puppy goes to the bathroom outside, give them positive reinforcement, such as treats, petting, or verbal praise.

This positive reinforcement helps your puppy understand that going to the bathroom outside is a good thing. Over time, your puppy will develop a preference for going outside and will be less likely to have accidents inside the house.

Conclusion

Teaching your puppy proper bathroom etiquette is essential for both your pet’s well-being and the cleanliness of your home. Follow these three simple steps to establish a routine, choose a specific spot, and reward good behavior.

Before you know it, your puppy will be fully trained, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time together without the worry of accidents or unpleasant smells.