Please remember that small dogs and young puppies have small developing bladders and do not have the control to “hold it” like that of a large adult dog. You must be prepared to take them outside for a potty breaks at least every 2-3 hours. It is very import that you are diligent and consistent with the program until they have more control. If they ever designate their own spot inside your home, it is much more difficult and requires more diligence on your part to correct them.
Dogs need things simple so we have to make it clear and consistent for them to understand what we expect of them. So if you want them to potty outside pick a spot in the yard and always go out the same door into that same area every time .
Never take your eyes off your dog until you have success. It is easier to monitor the situation if you block off rooms to any areas you cannot see into. If you are busy or simply cannot watch your dog like a hawk put them into a crate or outside in your yard for that period of time. *it is vital to watch them and have control of your pet so they do not slink off and eliminate behind a couch or in another room. Free roaming access to your home is earned not just given. Open up and expand one room at a time. Do not rush this part take your time.
If you want them to potty outside, Never not use paper or potty pads in the house (they promote the dog to eliminate inside the home and confuse the dog because they do not understand why it is okay to potty inside sometimes and not other times)
While your dog is doing going to the bathroom in the “potty spot” I attach a word like “potty” to the action. This will teach them to go on command, which is great for cold or rainy nights. Remember to praise and make a huge deal out of the successful event. Yeah! What a good Potty!
It is a good idea to limit your dog’s water intake. Drinking excessive amounts of water will make your dog need to relieve his bladder more often. Do not give rawhides as they contain high amounts of salt which promotes the need to drink more water.
Never play with your dog in the “Potty area” this will only confuse the dog (do I play or potty)?
If you catch your dog in the act of eliminating inside your home, Act quickly and immediately yell and make a huge fuss over the incident ( Bad dog, I’m upset with you, etc.) scoop em up even if they are not finished, and rush them outside, to the potty area, if they finish here, praise & reward this behavior a lot.
If you do not catch them in the act, Take them to the scene of the crime and scold them (do not rub their nose in it) they are smart and know what happen. Follow up a trip to the potty area. Praise them if they go in the area.
Always take them outside to the potty area especially after;
Eating ,Drinking, Waking from a nap, First thing in the morning, Last thing before bedtime, After 10 to 15 minutes of play time (because any time they get excited, they have to go).
