If you feel the desire to quickly introduce your dog to the litter box… don’t!

Your little one needs to learn how to use a puppy pad first… remember the bicycle analogy… it applies here as well – training wheels first, then two wheels.

In most cases, your dog will already be comfortable using a puppy pad because breeders usually introduce their puppies to a pad well before they are taken home.

If this is the case, don’t jump to step 2 just yet. You will still need to first verify that your dog has consistent success using a pad… and this requires time.

Note: There are instances when a breeder has not yet started the puppy on a pad (pet stores are notorious for doing this), or has already started outdoor training. If this is representative of your puppy’s current potty training status, no need to worry… the process will remain the same – start with the puppy pad.

The puppy pad will serve as the basis of the potty training process.

It is absolutely essential that you get your little one to use the puppy pad as often as possible…

Remember to set a consistent schedule – early in the morning, after each feeding, after each nap, and again in the evening before bed… and in-between if possible.

A dog’s need to relieve itself is often stimulated by eating, drinking or chewing, waking up, playing, and times of excitement.

Puppies should go at least every 3 hours – in most cases more often, as their bladders are very small. This will tailor off the older your puppy gets.

Adult dogs, if housetrained, on average, will go once every 5 to 7 hours. Adult dogs (1year or older) should be able to make it through the night without an accident.

You can anticipate your puppies need for relief by watching for any of the following signs: sniffing the ground, obvious squatting, loitering around the door, circling with the head held low, barking, whining, or scratching.

This obviously isn’t the full list… just pay attention to the signs your little one gives to you. In time you’ll come to know exactly when your dog needs to do its warm stinky business.

Ok, how do you train your little one to use a pad? (Supervisory based training)

Pay close attention here… this is the technique you will use for supervisory based training, no matter which step of the process you are in.

So, as long as you have a set schedule, it is straight forward and simple…

When a potty time arise – assuming you are at home – take the little one to the puppy pad (eventually the litter box) and say “Go Potty” or use another term of your choosing. Which ever term you choose, you must continue to use it, as repetition is essential for you and your little one to have success.

Please note that the puppy pad should be in the crate at this point in time – addressed in step 2.

Patience is key throughout the whole process… you may have to stand over your little one for 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or longer saying “Go Potty”… it will take some time in the beginning.

Once your little one goes, say good “boy/girl” and give a treat as a reward – you must use this type of positive reinforcement consistently for the training to take.

Don’t get impatient or give up, expect accidents… success will not happen overnight… but it will happen!

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