Complete Guide to Puppy Potty Training: 4 Professional Tips

Written by Kimyoungsang

Hello!

This is Kim's Pups, Korean teacup puppy, teacup dog breeder and boutique.

Why Proper Potty Training Matters

Proper potty training is essential for a happy life with your dog.

As experienced breeders at Kim's Pups, we understand it's one of the biggest concerns for first-time dog owners.

Let us guide you through the natural and effective potty training process!

Understanding Natural Puppy Learning

Puppies raised in kennels, like those at Kim's Pups, naturally learn potty training by following their mothers.

Let's understand how this natural learning process works:

Mother dogs naturally teach their puppies where to go potty by showing them how to use pee pads or potty trays.
They reward their puppies with treats and praise when they do it right.
Even if puppies make mistakes at first, they learn by connecting the right spots with good things (like treats).

However, when puppies move to new homes, they might need to restart this training process.

That's why it's essential to familiarize yourself with the correct potty training methods that mirror this natural learning process! 😊

Success Rates in New Homes / Optimal Training Timeline

Important Things to Know:

About 70% of puppies do well with potty training in their new homes
Some puppies (about 30%) might get confused or forget their training in a new place
The best age to start training is 2-3 months old, when puppies can start controlling their bladder better
Keep training until they're 4 months old for best results

Now, let’s dive into four simple yet effective steps to teach your dog proper potty training.

Four Essential Steps to Successful Potty Training

1. Limit Your Dog’s Activity Area with a Crate or Playpen

Young puppies need a confined space for safety and to help them with potty training.

Want to stop your puppy from having accidents?

Keep them in a smaller space!

This makes it much easier for them to find their potty spot and not have accidents around the house.

This will help your dog learn to naturally go to the pee pad.

Training in a defined space will also help your puppy remember the designated potty area more quickly.

Helpful Tip: Make sure your puppy's playpen is just the right size.

As your puppy grows bigger, you can make their space bigger too!

2. Place Enough Potty Pads or a Potty Tray

For potty training to be effective, the dog must feel comfortable and familiar with the training space.

Always place enough pee pads in a designated area to avoid confusion, especially in the early stages.

Initially, place pee pads in multiple spots and gradually reduce them to a single consistent location.

Tip: Instead of just using pee pads, consider using a potty tray.

Potty trays with a grid pattern mimic the feeling of grass, which can help your puppy feel more comfortable.

Remember these important points about potty pads:

Don't put too few pads - your puppy needs enough options
Don't spread pads all over the house - this just confuses them
For 2-month-old puppies, try using a potty tray instead of pee pads. Why? They often try to play with or chew the pads!

3. Offer Praise and Rewards Immediately

When your puppy goes potty in the right spot, act fast!

Give them praise and a treat within one minute. This helps them understand they did something good.

This helps your dog connect the behavior with the positive reinforcement, making it more likely they will repeat it.

After pottying, be sure to clean up the area quickly and replace the pee pad to avoid your dog using the same spot again.

Tip: For treats, use soft, chewy, bite-sized pieces that match your dog’s current food size.

Here's a secret from us at Kim's Pups: Instead of special treats, we use small bits of regular dog food as rewards.

This keeps your puppy's diet balanced while still making them happy!

4. Consistency is Key – Repeat the Training

Potty training relies on repetition.

Dogs remember potty spots through consistent patterns and habits. Be patient and repeat the training until your dog fully understands.

Praise and reward every time your puppy uses the right potty spot, even if it takes time.

If your dog makes a mistake, calmly clean it up without scolding them.

This will keep the potty training process positive and ensure the puppy receives the correct message.

Keys to Long-term Success

Important Tip: Don't worry if your trained puppy sometimes has accidents.

This can happen when they're:

Getting new teeth
Going through teenage months
Dealing with changes at home It's totally normal and temporary!

In such cases, continue with the training and be patient.

The most important factors in potty training are consistency and patience.

Every dog learns at their own pace, but with your consistent effort and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn quickly.

By following these four steps, you’ll have your dog potty trained in no time!

Building a Stronger Bond

This proven approach helps puppies develop lasting potty habits through positive reinforcement and consistent training.

With time and patience, your puppy will naturally choose the right potty spots.

Remember, potty training is more than just a habit—it strengthens the bond and communication between you and your dog.

Your patience and love will help your dog grow into a happy and healthy companion.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Let's start your puppy's potty training journey today!

This is Kim's Pups. Thank you.

* Every picture in this article is from Kim's Pups puppies.

Choosing a pet isn’t just about having a cute animal; it’s about creating memories and sharing life as a family.

That’s why it’s important to carefully 'choose' your companion.

At Kim's Pups, we offer personalized one-on-one consultations for people interested in adopting a dog.

We consider your home, lifestyle, and the dog's personality and exercise needs to help you find the best match.

Since welcoming a new family member is such an important step, feel free to reach out for any questions or guidance.

We're here to help! 😊