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10 POWER PRINCIPLES  OF

Potty Training

Hey Human!  Let's set up my potty plan together. Here’s how you can help me succeed:

Structure, Schedule, and Supervision

Help me succeed by making potty breaks quick and easy!  Here's how we do this.
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01. The Three Pawsitive Pillars

  • Structure: Please set clear boundaries so I know which rooms are for fun and which ones are off-limits. This helps me understand where I can explore without getting into trouble.

  • Schedule: If you feed me at the same times every day and take me outside regularly, it helps me learn when it’s time to go potty. Consistent timing helps me regulate my little puppy body, so accidents are less likely.

  • Supervision: Keep an eye on me, especially when I’m still learning. If you see me sniffing around or circling, it’s a sign I might need to go! Catching me before I make a mistake is super helpful. Plus, it’s a great chance to reward me when I do things right.

02. My Potty Preferences

  • Surfaces: Some pups like grass, others like gravel. Pay attention to what I prefer, and take me to that same spot outside every time. It helps me learn that this is the right place to do my business.

  • Smells: The scent of where I’ve gone potty before can be a big clue for me. If I smell it inside, I might think it’s okay to go there again—so please clean up accidents with special cleaners that remove all the odor. Outside, though, a little leftover scent in my potty spot can remind me that this is the right place.

  • Spots: I might pick out a favorite potty spot in the yard. Let’s make sure it’s somewhere you’re okay with, and then take me there every time.

Surfaces, Smells, and Spots

I’m a little picky about where I go potty, and it’s all about what feels and smells right to me.

When I Eat, I Potty

Feeding me on a regular schedule is super important for my potty training.

03. My Feeding Time

  • Regular Meals: Please feed me at the same times every day, and only leave my food out for 10-15 minutes. It helps me learn to eat on schedule, which also helps regulate when I need to go potty.

  • No Free-Feeding: Leaving food out all day can make it hard for you to predict when I’ll need to go. Let’s stick to set meal times so we both know what to expect.

  • Simple Diet: Please don’t change my food too much right now. A stable diet helps keep my tummy happy and my potty schedule predictable.

04. My Safe Space

  • Crate Training: I actually like having a cozy little den! If you crate train me, it helps me learn to hold it since I don’t want to potty where I sleep. Just make sure my crate is comfy, not too big, and not too small.  I should be able to stand, turn around and lay down in it comfortably.

  • Controlled Space: Until I’m fully trained, let’s keep my roaming area limited. You can use baby gates or exercise pens to give me space to move around without getting into trouble.

Controlled Confinement

Giving me a safe, controlled space when you can’t watch me helps prevent accidents.

A Puppy’s Potty Area

Setting up a special spot for me during potty training makes it easier for both of us.

05. My Den Apartment

  • My Potty Spot: In my confined area, please give me a small toilet spot—like a tray with some grass or pavers. It helps me understand where I should go if I really can’t hold it.

  • No Pee Pads: Pee pads can be confusing for me. I might think it’s okay to go inside, even when I’m not on a pad. Let’s stick to outdoor training or the designated indoor potty spot if we need to.

06. My Bladder

  • Puppy Bladder Time: The general rule is I can hold it for my age in months plus one hour. So, if I’m two months old, I can hold it for about 2-3 hours. But, I’m still learning, so take me out often to avoid accidents.

  • Be Kind with Time: Please don’t leave me in my crate or confined space for too long. If I really can’t hold it, I might have an accident, and I don’t want to feel bad about it.

How Long Can I Hold It?

Understanding how long I can hold my bladder helps us avoid accidents.

Potty Break Pawsitives

Help me succeed by making potty breaks quick and easy!

07. Making It Easy for Me

  • Quick Access: Keep my crate near the door so you can get me outside fast. The quicker we get out, the better chance I have to go in the right spot.

  • Leash and Treats Ready: Have my leash and some yummy treats by the door. When I do my business outside, you can reward me right away, and I’ll learn faster.

  • Get Me Moving: If you run with me to my potty spot, it gets things moving for me too! Plus, it’s fun!

08. The Power of Positive Reinforcement

  • Three-Minute Rule: Give me up to three minutes to go potty. If nothing happens, we can try again later—but no scolding, okay?

  • Instant Rewards: When I go potty outside, please give me a treat and lots of praise right away. It helps me know I did something good!

  • Consistent Words: Use the same phrase, like “Go potty!” every time. I’ll start to understand what you want me to do when I hear those words.

My Rewards

When I do something right, rewards help me learn faster.

Accidents Happen

Accidents might happen, but cleaning them up the right way is super important.

09. Cleaning Up

  • Enzymatic Cleaners: Please use special cleaners that break down my mess completely. If there’s any smell left, I might think it’s okay to go there again.

  • No Punishment: It’s scientifically proven that I won’t understand why I’m being punished if you scold me after an accident. I’m not being naughty—I just didn’t know what to do. So, let’s focus on positive training instead!

10. Sticking to the Schedule

  • Consistent Routine: Please take me outside after meals, naps, and playtime. Regular breaks, especially after I’ve been active, help me learn faster.

  • Before and After Play: If we go outside before and after playtime, it helps me avoid accidents. Plus, it’s a nice little break!

With a little patience, lots of love, and some consistent training, I’ll be a potty-trained pup in no time! Remember, I’m learning as we go, so stick with it, and we’ll succeed together. Thanks for being such a great human!

My Potty Routine

A regular routine helps me learn when and where to go potty.

Potty training is just the start! For personalized support or to teach your dog more great behaviors, visit Pawsitive Academy or contact us for a one-on-one consultation. Let’s make your dog training journey a success!

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