The ‘p’ in potty training is for patience.

Training Your Puppy: A Novice Guide to Taking Your Dog Potty

Okay, so you got a new puppy. What now? Well first things first, food, water and a lot of affection. Check. Uh oh, here comes the hard part. Training. It turns out getting your pooch to go outside, or even alerting you, is an issue–we can help with that.

Positive Reinforcement

So you love to give dogs treats? Good, because it’ll work every time. Do not try to punish your puppy when he goes in the house or on your favorite shoes. Instead, encourage desired behavior with training treats. When your puppy goes on the puppy pad, or outside, give them a treat. It’s your way of saying, “that’s the spot, Spot.”

A Consistent Walk Schedule

If you don’t want your dog peeing on the floor, I suggest you take them out. A morning and early evening walk will do the best for most dogs. Keep in mind, try to go at the same time everyday. This way, your dog knows when you’re on a walk it’s time to go, and you’re not stuck waiting in the rain.

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For the Tough Sell

Sometimes you get a lemon, a dog that will mark your furniture and poop in your kitchen. For marking, get a natural no-mark spray from a pet store. The oils deter male dogs from marking. For a pooping pooch, try adding more walks to the schedule. If this doesn’t help, try puppy pads. Every day you shift it closer to the outside, changing the place every two days or so. Don’t forget, reward, reward, reward.

Training a new puppy in the ways of bathroom etiquettes may prove difficult. Don’t give up on your pup, all it takes is a little patience, and your doggie will literally, be good to go.