When starting on this journey of puppy potty training, the first thing to keep in mind is that a small puppy is instinctively programmed not to “do their business” where they live, sleep and eat. We can use this to our advantage to get them to relieve themselves where we would like them to do that normal function.
Another thing to know about puppies is that their digestive track works very quickly (anywhere between 5-30 minutes after eating). This is also a great help in potty training. For this reason, your job will be to keep your puppy on a very consistent eating and elimination schedule.
When you first start this process of potty training, pick a space outdoors where it is the ideal place for your puppy to “do their business” . . .a place away from distractions and where she will feel safe. By using the same place, the smells will be familiar, and she will know why she’s there.
Next, feed your puppy and gently put her in her crate. Set your timer for 15 minutes but watch her carefully in case she’s ready to relieve herself after just 10 minutes. After the time you have determined is best for her, calmly and with a gently, loving energy, open the crate door and snap on her leash. Calmly walk her outside to the sight you have selected and say, “do you business” or just “business”.
Now just wait patiently for as long as it takes for her to go potty. This is not play time and don’t continue to talk to her. Try not to engage with her other than to repeat the command, “business”.
When she is relieving herself say, “business” so she learns to associate the command with the action. Teaching her to potty with a command word comes in very handy when you are going someplace, and you need her to relieve herself before getting in the car, her crate, or before bedtime.
Remember, don’t punish her for accidents in the house. Look back on the accident and see what YOU could have done differently – less time indoors; being aware of her signals that she needs to do her business; etc. Just calmly and quietly take her to the place she is supposed to relieve herself and tell her “business”. Without fail, I have learned that I just need to be more aware of her needs and signals.
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