How do I toilet train my puppy?

Question

I have a 4 month old maltese, and I want it to "potty" at a designated spot inside my house. Some people tell me to yell (and generally be mean), some people tell me to use positive reinforcement. What method is the fastest?

Answer 1

I just finished potty training my dachshund (she’s 5 months old).

I used positive reinforcement. I took her where she needed to go, and stood with her, saying “go potty” until she went, or until it was obvious she didn’t need to go. I used only praise at first, and then moved on to using praise, plus a tiny piece of a treat to further get across to her that she did the right thing. When she had an accident, I didn’t get overly upset and simply said “No!” once or twice firmly and cleaned it up. Others will tell you to completely ignore it, which you also may want to consider. You just need to do what you think your dog will respond to the best.

If you get too mad at the dog, it might get the idea that going to the bathroom is not allowed at all and start to do it secretly. It’s always better to reward them for doing the right thing than to punish them for doing the wrong thing, and they seem to respond better with that kind of training. Being “mean” to a dog is not something that works, generally.

At first, it seemed like she would never get the concept, but suddenly, about a month ago, it just clicked for her and she started going to the door to the backyard when she needed to go out. She went from having accidents almost daily to having only one all month (and that one was my fault; I didn’t notice her at the door).

Good luck!

Answer 2

Shouting at the pup will just make it nervous and more likely to go to the toilet hidden. As the pup is so young you need to take it to your chosen spot every hour, immediately upon waking and after eating. When the puppy starts to go give it the command that you want, such as go wee wee. When it has finished then praise it. Don't tell the puppy when it is going that it is a good dog because you may train it to relieve itself on the command of good dog which would be inappropriate lol!
Consistency is the key and they will soon learn.

Answer 3

Lay paper out on the Floor or area where the puppy sleep/Stays most.
The Dog will Tend to Poop on the paper, Move the paper sheet closer to the door(Give the puppy time to get used to using the paper).
Within 2 or so weeks put the Paper outside and allowing the puppy to potty there!.(Your Puppy may tend to learn quicker,so watch It carefully)
That's it!!

Answer 4

Every time you take your pet outside keep saying the same phrase like "potty" or "go potty". When they actually start to go potty, keep saying the phrase in a happy upbeat voice and tell them over and over good boy/girl. As soon as they are finished reward them with a training treat. Make sure to give them the treat right after they finish so they understand what they are being rewarded for. Also in the beginning they will go to the bathroom in different areas pick up the dropping and keep putting them in one spot they will pick up on it and start using that same spot each time.

Answer 5

Always follow a regular feeding schedule so that you could monitor it's time to dirt. Ten minutes after you feed it, tie it in the place you want it to go potty. If you do this all the time, your Maltese will eventually know the right place to go potty even without the leash. Hope this helps you.

Answer 6

I would feed him, give him water, and wait about an hour, and put a newspaper lining on the floor (if he's an indoor dog) and place him on the paper, and keep him there, until he goes to the bathroom. Otherwise, if he's an outdoor dog, you need to feed and give him water, and wait an hour, and put him outside, until he goes to the bathroom. You'll have to do this every time you feed him or give him water. Just to be sure that around that time, he'll need to relieve himself. He'll get the picture in no time!

Answer 7

You should take your puppy outside to the same spot first thing in the morning, after every meal and nap, last thing at night and whenever they are excited or nervous.

Answer 8

OK first take Ur dog out put her in the same spot where she uses it every time put her on leashe where she can pee but not run if she uses it play with her or reward her and they will think "hey using the bathroom outside is fun"

Answer 9

If you are unable to take your pup outside, this is the best method> Litter box training..> http://www.kturby.com/litter/litter.htm
However, please forget the part where she says to shout..Potty training NEVER requires yelling or punishment..
That only creates the traumatized dog who will hide to pee..
It would be like a mom screaming at children during potty training..creates bedwetters.

Answer 10

definitly positive because studys show that if u give positive reinforcement it will do wat u want it to and like u more

also if it gos in that spot and u give it a treat than it knows wat to do but if u just yell its an animal it cant under stand wat u want it to do

i hope i helped u