Waiting for the puppy to tell you they need to go outside is a mistake that can cause more accidents than almost anything else. New puppy owners often expect their puppy to bark at the door, scratch the door. whine, pace around, or sit and stare at them.

Here is a scientific method that I learned from a vet a few years ago. It sets the puppy up for success by allowing them only a small amount of water at a time, and then taking them outside to go potty shortly afterward.

Step 1: Give your puppy one ounce of water per lb of body weight per day. You will need a measuring cup to ensure they get the exact amount of water per day.

Step 2: Divide the total amount of water into 4 or 5 servings.

Step 3: Give your puppy one of those servings of water.

Step 4: Take your puppy out to go potty 3 times within one hour after that serving of water.

Example

  • Your puppy weighs 8 lbs. They need 8 ounces of water per day.
  • Give them a 2-ounce serving of water at 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm.
  • Take them out to pee every 20 minutes after drinking the serving of water: 8:20 am, 8:40 am, and 9:00 am.
  • Repeat this schedule after each additional serving of water.
  • They will get 16 potty breaks per day.

References:

  1. AVSAB: Housetraining Tips: https://avsab.org/housetraining-tips/
  2. AKC: Potty Training Timeline and Tips: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-potty-training-timeline/
  3. PetMd: How to Potty Train a Puppy: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-potty-train-a-puppy?
  4. VCA: House Training for Puppies and Dogs: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/house-training-your-puppy?
  5. ASPCA: House Training Your Dog or Puppy: https://www.aspca.org/news/house-training-your-dog-or-puppy?

If you need help housebreaking your new puppy, visit pottytrainingyourpuppy.com for FREE resources.

Our Sponsor is Top Gun Dog TrainingIn-home dog training services in the Huntsville, AL area at http://www.topgundogtraining.com

RESOURCES:

  • Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
  • Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
  • Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan
  • Potty Training Your Puppy: https://pottytrainingyourpuppy.com/

Top Gun Dog Training in Huntsville, Alabama. Dog Trainer near me. Puppy Training in Madison, AL. Dog Behavior in Huntsville, AL.

See All 148 Episodes of "Puppy Talk"