Recommended Potty Training Methods for Your Pup

Potty training your new puppy is not always an easy task. Some pups are easy to train while others seem to take much longer. It will take a lot of patience, but your dog will learn.

The newspaper method seems to be the best way for a dog to learn. A space of his own where he has his food, water, toys and bed is ideal. Cover the entire area with newspaper. When you have to leave him home, shut him in this area. After a while, he will start using one spot on the newspapers. Start removing the other pieces of newspaper a bit at a time. Soon, "his" area will become just that one spot. As he gets older, he will be able to wait until you get home to go. Don't punish your dog if he misses the newspaper. He won't know what you are punishing him for.

"Puppy pads" are a good alternative to old newspapers. They are a lot more sanitary and they are much easier to clean up.

Always take your dog outside (to his designated area) as soon as you get home. She needs to know that outside is her potty area. When you are at home, spend as much time with her as you can and watch her closely. She will show signs of needing to "go" by getting restless, turning in circles and sniffing out areas. Take her outside immediately. Praise her lavishly when she does her business outside. It is also helpful to carry treats with you when you are first training her to potty outside.

Take your puppy outside every 45 minutes or so because you may not always be able to tell when he needs the "bathroom." Again, praise him and show him how excited you are that he is being a "good" boy. You will not need to go outside with her after a while. Once she knows where she is supposed to go, she will always go to that spot.

You can show disapproval when your puppy goes in the house but do not -- I repeat -- do NOT ever hit him. He won't learn any faster by using cruel methods such as these.

Some dogs wet themselves when they get excited about something or when they are especially happy to see someone. This is called submissive urinating and can be quite a problem with young dogs. It can be especially embarrassing if Fido "goes" on a visitor to your home. This type of bathroom training is not as easy to do as normal training. Potty training your dog will help him know he should only go outside.

There is no set age when you dog is considered to be properly potty trained. In fact, a puppy can't be considered fully trained until it is at least six months old. And, some dogs will be older still.