Potty Pad Training
Bringing home a new puppy is always an exciting adventure! However, puppy owners must realize that potty training is a huge step in the development of their new four-legged friend. The goal of potty training is simple, but the details can be confusing, like whether to use puppy pads.
Having your dog go potty outside is the most ideal situation, but potty-training pads can play a successful role in effective training. The most important rule is to be patient with your new puppy. Remember that potty training takes time and commitment. The following tips will help you with this rule:
- A puppy can’t control their bladder until it is 16 weeks old.
- A puppy can only hold his bladder as long as his age in months plus one hour. For example, a five-month-old puppy can only hold it for six hours.
- Every puppy is different, even within breeds!
It is important to always supervise your puppy. Take your puppy to the potty pad frequently. You can set a timer if you are having trouble remembering when to take your puppy to his pad. Be sure to put your puppy in a crate or a safe area whenever you can’t supervise them. You must be consistent. Setting a schedule and sticking to it will help prevent accidents along the way. It is important to know exactly when your puppy normally goes potty. Continue to visit the puppy pad to create the habit and let the puppy know that it is okay to go potty there.
When it is time to transition your puppy from potty pads to the outdoors, you can move the pad closer to the door each day, while eventually moving it completely outside. Your puppy will eventually realize that the pad is where they can release. Be sure to reward your pup with loads of treats and love!
