When to Begin

If you’ve purchased a puppy from us at Lifetime Pets, you can be assured that steps have already been taken to encourage good toileting behaviours. Puppies are incredibly observant and especially like to copy their Mums behaviour. This, coupled with the home environment in which our pups are raised, leads to a greater understanding of the home dynamic and sense of the indoor/outdoor difference. Formal toilet training should start as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually around 8-12 weeks old. At this age, puppies are beginning to develop bladder and bowel control but still need frequent breaks. Early training helps establish good habits and prevents accidents from becoming a norm.

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The Basics: Toilet Training Steps

1. Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Puppies generally need to go out every 2-3 hours.
2. Choose a Designated Spot: Always take your puppy to the same spot to do their business. The familiar scent will prompt them to go.
3. Use Commands: Choose a command like “go toilet” and use it consistently when you take your puppy to their spot. This helps them understand what you expect them to do, and can help when in different locations other than your home.
4. Praise and Reward: Immediately praise your puppy and give them a treat after they eliminate outside. This positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat the behaviour.
5. Supervise and Confine: Keep a close eye on your puppy when they are indoors. Use baby gates or a crate to confine them when you can’t supervise. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.
6. Handle Accidents Calmly: If you catch your puppy in the act indoors, clap loudly to interrupt them and quickly take them outside to finish. It is very important not to reprimand a puppy if they have an accident, as they can perceive the crime to be the toileting itself and not the location. This can lead to confusion and further struggles as they’ll try and hide that they want to go (or even start going in secret hiding spots!). Clean all accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and discourage repeat offences.

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Tips & Tricks

• Watch for Signs: Learn to recognise the signs that your puppy needs to go, such as sniffing the ground, circling, or whining. Promptly take them outside when you notice these behaviours.
• Feeding Schedule: Stick to a regular feeding schedule. This helps regulate your puppy’s digestion and makes their elimination schedule more predictable.
• Be Patient: Accidents are part of the learning process. Stay patient and consistent. Avoid scolding or punishing your puppy, as this can create fear and confusion, hindering the training process.
• Use Training Pads: If you live in an apartment or can’t always take your puppy outside, training pads can be a useful alternative. Gradually move the pads closer to the door and eventually outside to transition them to outdoor elimination.
• Limit Water Before Bed: To help your puppy stay dry overnight, limit their water intake a couple of hours before bedtime.
• Crate Training: Crate training can be a helpful tool for toilet training. Ensure the crate is just large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Dogs don’t like to soil their sleeping area, which encourages them to hold it until they’re let out.

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Toilet training is a vital step in your puppy’s development. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can successfully teach your puppy to go outside and establish good bathroom habits for life.

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