Potty training is a time honored tradition when adding a canine companion to your home. There are many factors in this stage that will affect the time and effort needed to successfully teach your doggo to potty in the appropriate spot whether this is outside or if you’re using indoor pads or box.

Basics: The younger the pup, the longer it will take. Toy and small breeds have high metabolism and tiny bladders making more frequent “deposits” to relieve themselves.

Conversely, if your canine has never been taught to hold or worse yet, was not allowed enough an area to separate themselves from their “deposits” it may take a lot longer to be successful.

Same goes for canines that are easily distracted. They may get outside and get excited by sights and sounds and literally “forget” that they should do their business first. Patience is a virtue in all of these situations.

First we are assuming that you have a normal healthy canine without any *parasites, on a great diet and with normal bladder health, size and control.

Start with structured meals and potty breaks. Toy or micro breeds will need 4 to 5 meals per day. Most other pups can get away with 2 to 3 meals per day, while adults can get fed twice daily. Consult your veterinarian for questions or special needs animals. Water should be available at all times. Then pick your “potty command”. You can use whatever word or phrase you like as long as it’s consistent and use the same command every time you’re taking your dog to the potty area.

Puppies will usually potty at these times: Wake time, bed time AND

after food or a big drink of water or after playing and after a nap.

Always take them to their potty station at these times.

Frist, ideally crate training is the easiest for all. Dogs do not like to defecate in their space and will hold it as long as possible. First thing every morning let your dog out of its kennel or confined space and take it out to potty. Don’t play with him, just ignore your doggo until it potties and then praise, praise praise when the deal is done! Use a happy voice, as most dogs can understands positive and negative tones.

Avoid treats or table scraps during this time to help keep the bowels movements regular.

If you can’t keep an eye on your puppy, put him into the kennel. Repeat this process until potty training is complete!

*Many parasites cause bowel issues, but Coccidia and canine Giardia both cause diarrhea and are more common than previously assumed.

Remember to check with your veterinarian first if you aren’t having success. Step two maybe a local trainer that can help out.

By Alicia Krogmann

Irish Lane Kennel