Potty Training Essentials for Puppies

If you want to know how to potty train a puppy, you can start with some assumptions. Puppies younger than three months have no bladder control. You have your work cut out for you. These little ones pee and poop at will—no advance planning is undertaken. A circling, sniffing dog is ready to roll. In addition, puppies like to repeat their places of choice. If not, they are happy to create a new one. It is your job to narrow down these choices to the great outdoors.

When undertaking the potty training process, it helps to have a few things on hand. A narrowed-down of potty training essentials will include any and all of the following:

  • Nature’s Miracle: at least a couple of bottles of this marvelous product that removes urine and poop stains, not to mention lingering odor. You may want them placed strategically around the house next to a roll of paper towels. not to mention lingering odor. You may want them placed strategically around the house next to a roll of paper towels.
  • An appropriately sized crate in your bedroom that suits the size of your dog full grown. You don’t want to have to buy a new at the mid-way point. There are many types including the ubiquitous wire construction so you can see what is going on. It is a plus if it folds up for transport. Get the right accessories: water dish, toys, sleeping pad, etc.
  • The makings of an exercise pen tall enough to secure the puppy inside. It can be in the kitchen or living room as space provides. Ideally, it should be near your main home activities. A tarp is advised but not mandatory.
  • Reward treats for the potty training reinforcement process. They can be something you know your pet likes and appreciates. Place them where handy near the designated house toilet spot(s).
  • Last but not least have on hand a positive and cheerful tone of voice with which to praise your puppy for good potty behavior.

Now you are equipped with potty training essentials, and in the right spirit, and have the crate and confined areas ready to set up and utilize. Make sure the crate, in particular, is the right size. Dogs with extra space will use it as a pooping area. Anticipate his growth and buy appropriately to avoid extra expense replacing it later. As for the exercise area, it can expand and contract more easily with dividers and gates. Always remember to stack some newspapers if you expect the dog to do his business inside.

Never forget the ubiquitous water dish, even if you think you won’t be gone long at times. They easily attach to the side of a crate. Think of all your dog’s needs at once. A crate is best placed in a central household location so the pet doesn’t get lonely and isolated. If the dog gets a room or two in which to room, use a baby gate rather than shutting the door.


During potty training months, a puppy may not take well to the crate. He may bark and whine, even refuse to eat. Ignoring this behavior may end it in a short period of time or if you are truly vexed, you can voice the word “no.” Hopefully, the pet will settle down and acclimate in due time. Pet and praise him so he looks forward to any confinement.

A crate is not a permanent home, but is for the purposes of potty training. It is a short-term sleeping and feeding place if he is abusing his permission to roam. Most dogs will keep these areas clean and go potty elsewhere as provided. As puppies grow up and gain bladder control, you can create an effective schedule of walks and time outside. You may start with the newspaper technique and eliminate it after a while. If you do use them, be sure to change them often.

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