Getting a new puppy or dog is like adding a new member to your family. While you might not be dealing with diapers like you would a newborn, you will likely find yourself cleaning up a few messes during your first few weeks together. Potty training your puppy or dog takes time and patience, and these tips will help you sail through this part of canine care with finesse.
Potty Training Dogs vs. Puppies: What’s the Difference?
When you’re wondering how long does it take to potty train a dog, you might be curious if the age of your new pet matters. Typically, it takes around four to six months to fully potty train a puppy. The amount of time it takes for young pups to mature can vary according to the breed and size of the dog.
Meanwhile, it might take longer to potty train an older dog. Similar to teaching your older pet new tricks, you’ll need to work against old habits. If your new dog is used to going potty in the house, then you’ll need to undo this conditioning. Fortunately, being consistent works with older dogs as well as it does with young pups. Planning for a dog walker to take your pet out for potty breaks when you’re not home helps the process go faster.
How to Potty Train an Adult Dog
By the time a dog reaches adulthood, it’s already established some basic habits. Fortunately, adopting your pet and bringing them home makes it easier to figure out how to potty train a dog by learning about their history. Some people prefer to teach proper potty habits by crate training their dog. Or, you might want to keep your dog confined to just a single room while you are gone from home.
Giving your dog a smaller space to spend their time makes it less likely that they’ll have an accident where they eat and sleep. If they do have an accident, making sure your dog is on a hard surface makes it easier to clean up.
Once you’ve given your dog their space, you’ll want to take them out for at least a 10-minute walk after each meal. If you work, then you may also need to arrange for someone else to take your pup out in the middle of the day. Making sure to take your dog outside before bedtime also reduces nighttime wakings and accidents.
How to Potty Train a Puppy
Puppies tend to adapt to their new lifestyle rather quickly. This is especially true if you adopt your pet from someone else or from an organization that has already introduced potty training. For puppies, you might need to take them outside every hour to accommodate their smaller body size.
Positive reinforcement works well for puppies, just like it does for older dogs. Give your puppy lots of praise and pets when they successfully go outside. If they have an accident, then clean it up without making a scene. Over time, your pup will begin to associate going potty outside with rewards.
Potty Training a Rescue Dog: Things to Consider
Figuring out how to potty train a rescue dog may take a little extra work. Since some rescue pets have existing health conditions, it might be necessary to make sure they don’t have underlying issues that interfere with their ability to wait for a potty break.
Rescue dogs can also struggle with anxiety that leads to undesirable marking behaviors. Arranging for a Chicago pet sitter to visit with your dog when you need to be away for more than a couple of hours can reduce anxiety in rescue pets.
In summary, successful potty training takes consistency and patience at every age for dogs. During this time, it’s important to work with other members of your family and dog sitters to establish a clear routine. Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy the rewards that come with having your pet be fully potty trained and eager to earn your affection.
