Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyous experience. However, one of the first challenges you’ll face as a new dog owner is teaching your puppy where to go to the bathroom.

House training can be a time-consuming process, but with a step-by-step approach and consistency, you can successfully teach your puppy where to go. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and effective house training process.

Step 1: Establish a Routine

Creating a routine for your puppy is essential for house training. Your puppy should have a regular schedule for eating, sleeping, playtime, and bathroom breaks.

Establishing a routine will not only make it easier for your puppy to grasp the concept of house training but will also help you anticipate when your puppy needs to go out.

Step 2: Choose a Designated Bathroom Area

Decide on a specific spot outside where you want your puppy to go potty. This designated bathroom area should be easily accessible and away from high-traffic areas.

Take your puppy to this spot consistently for every bathroom break to reinforce the association between the location and going potty.

Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool when it comes to training your puppy. Whenever your puppy goes to the bathroom in the designated area, immediately reward them with praise, petting, and even a small treat.

This positive reinforcement will help your puppy understand that going to the bathroom in the right spot is a good thing.

Step 4: Supervise and Limit Freedom

During the house training process, it’s important to keep a close eye on your puppy and limit their freedom around the house.

Supervise their activities, especially when they show signs of needing to go potty, such as sniffing the ground or circling. By restricting their access to the rest of the house, you can minimize accidents and quickly redirect them to the designated bathroom area.

Step 5: Establish a Cue Word or Phrase

Choose a cue word or phrase that you will use consistently when it’s time for your puppy to go potty.

This could be as simple as saying “go potty” or “do your business.” Use this cue word every time you take your puppy to the designated bathroom area and eventually they will associate the phrase with the action of eliminating in that spot.

Step 6: Set a Regular Feeding Schedule

Establishing a regular feeding schedule for your puppy will also help with house training. Feed your puppy at the same times each day and avoid leaving food out for extended periods.

By having a predictable feeding schedule, you can anticipate when your puppy will need to go out and can schedule bathroom breaks accordingly.

Step 7: Be Patient and Consistent

House training a puppy takes time and patience. Accidents will happen, and it’s important not to get frustrated or punish your puppy for mistakes.

Instead, remain consistent with your routine, reinforce positive behavior, and redirect your puppy to the designated bathroom area whenever accidents occur. With patience and consistency, your puppy will soon learn where to go.

Step 8: Clean Accidents Thoroughly

When accidents happen, it’s crucial to clean them thoroughly to eliminate any lingering odor. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes to effectively remove all traces of urine or feces.

This will help prevent your puppy from being attracted to the same spot again, as dogs are more likely to eliminate in areas that smell like urine or feces.

Step 9: Gradually Expand Freedom

As your puppy becomes more reliable with their bathroom habits, you can gradually expand their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room and gradually increase access as they continue to succeed with house training.

Keep a close eye on them during this phase and be prepared to backtrack if accidents happen.

Step 10: Celebrate Success

Once your puppy is consistently going to the bathroom in the designated area, celebrate their success! Gradually reduce the treats and rewards, but continue to offer praise and affirmation.

Your puppy will thrive on positive reinforcement and will be proud to please their owner.