PLV: Puppy Potty Training Tips 🐶

Congratulations on your new puppy! One of the first things you’ll begin working on is potty training. The good news is that with consistency, patience, and routine, your puppy will learn. Remember they’re just babies, and every day is a new learning experience.

Give Your Puppy Time to Adjust

Even if your puppy was doing very well with potty training before coming home, it’s completely normal for them to take a step backward during the transition.

They’re leaving everything they’ve ever known their mom, littermates, familiar smells, routine, and environment. Your home is brand new to them.

Think of it like bringing home a newborn baby. Your puppy needs time to adjust, feel safe, and learn a completely new routine. Expect a few accidents during those first couple of weeks, and don’t get discouraged. This is a normal part of the adjustment period.

Start with a Routine

Puppies thrive on consistency. Take your puppy to their designated potty area:

● First thing in the morning

● Immediately after naps

● After eating or drinking

● After playtime

● Before bedtime

● Every 1–2 hours throughout the day (depending on age)

The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn.

Keep Them Confined When Unsupervised

If you can’t keep your eyes on your puppy, place them in a crate or small puppy playpen.

Giving a young puppy too much freedom too soon often leads to accidents. As they become more reliable, you can slowly give them access to larger areas of your home.

Watch for Potty Signals

Your puppy may need to go if they’re:

● Sniffing the floor

● Walking in circles

● Suddenly wandering away

● Squatting

● Becoming restless

As soon as you notice these signs, calmly take them to their potty area.

Reward Every Success

The moment your puppy finishes going potty in the correct spot:

● Praise them enthusiastically.

● Offer a small treat.

● Use the same phrase each time, such as “Good potty!”

Immediate rewards help your puppy understand exactly what they did right.

Accidents Will Happen

Accidents are part of the learning process.

Never punish, yell at, or rub your puppy’s nose in an accident. This can create fear and confusion.

Instead:

● Clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors.

● Stay patient.

● Continue following your routine.

Feed on a Schedule

Feeding your puppy at the same times every day helps create predictable potty habits.

Avoid free-feeding whenever possible, especially during the potty training stage.

Be Patient

Toy breed puppies have very small bladders and may need more frequent potty breaks than larger breeds.

Some days will go perfectly. Other days may include a few accidents. That’s completely normal.

Stay positive, remain consistent, and celebrate every success along the way.

Remember…

Your puppy isn’t being stubborn.. they’re learning.

With patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement, your puppy will gain confidence and develop lifelong potty habits.

The first few weeks require extra work, but your consistency now will set your puppy up for success for years to come.

At Puppy La Vie, we’re always here to help. If you have questions about potty training, feeding schedules, crate training, or helping your puppy settle into their new home, don’t hesitate to reach out. We want every puppy and every family to have the best possible start together.