How to potty train a puppy

By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
How to potty train a puppy can be a challenging task, but with patience and consistency, it can be done effectively using different reinforcement techniques. This article will discuss why dogs have potty accidents in the house, the different reinforcement techniques for potty training, and why harsh punishment does not work.

Reasons for Potty Accidents in the House Dogs have potty accidents in the house for a variety of reasons, including:

Lack of training: If a puppy or an older dog has not been trained on where to go potty, they may not know where it is appropriate to go.
Medical problems: Some dogs may have a medical condition, such as a bladder infection, that makes it difficult for them to control their bladder.
Separation anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety may have accidents in the house when their owners are not home.
Inadequate access to the outdoors: If dogs do not have access to the outdoors when they need to go potty, they may have an accident in the house.
Stress: Some dogs may have accidents in the house if they are stressed or anxious, such as during a move or when a new pet is introduced into the home.

How to Potty Train a Puppy with Positive Reinforcement Clicker Training.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for potty training a puppy. This method involves rewarding the dog every time they go potty in the correct place, which reinforces the desired behavior.

Steps for Potty Training a Puppy with Positive Reinforcement Clicker Training:

Choose a designated potty area: Choose an area in the yard or a designated spot in the house where you want your dog to go potty. This will be the place where you will reward your dog for going potty.
Watch your dog’s behavior: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior, such as sniffing or circling, as these are signs that they need to go potty.
Take your dog to the designated potty area: As soon as you notice your dog needs to go potty, take them to the designated area.
Reward your dog: When your dog goes potty in the correct place, reward them with treats, praise, or petting. This reinforces the desired behavior.
Use a clicker: You can also use a clicker to reinforce the desired behavior. When your dog goes potty in the correct place, click the clicker and give them a treat.

How to Potty Train a Puppy with Differential Reinforcement.

Techniques Differential reinforcement techniques involve reinforcing the desired behavior and ignoring or correcting the undesired behavior. This method can be used to potty train a puppy.

Steps for Potty Training a Puppy with Differential Reinforcement Techniques:

Choose a designated potty area: Choose an area in the yard or a designated spot in the house where you want your dog to go potty. This will be the place where you will reinforce the desired behavior.
Watch your dog’s behavior: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior, such as sniffing or circling, as these are signs that they need to go potty.
Take your dog to the designated potty area: As soon as you notice your dog needs to go potty, take them to the designated area.
Reinforce the desired behavior: When your dog goes potty in the correct place, reward them with treats, praise, or petting. This reinforces the desired behavior.
Ignore or correct the undesired behavior:

If your dog has an accident in the house, ignore it and simply clean it up. Do not scold or punish your dog, as this can increase their stress and anxiety, making it more difficult to potty train them. Instead, take them to the designated potty area the next time they need to go.

How to Potty Train a Puppy with Negative Punishment.

Techniques Negative punishment involves removing a reward or privilege in response to undesired behavior. This method can be used to potty train a puppy.

Steps for Potty Training a Puppy with Negative Punishment Techniques:

Choose a designated potty area: Choose an area in the yard or a designated spot in the house where you want your dog to go potty. This will be the place where you will reinforce the desired behavior.
Watch your dog’s behavior: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior, such as sniffing or circling, as these are signs that they need to go potty.
Take your dog to the designated potty area: As soon as you notice your dog needs to go potty, take them to the designated area.
Reinforce the desired behavior: When your dog goes potty in the correct place, reward them with treats, praise, or petting. This reinforces the desired behavior.
Remove a reward or privilege: If your dog has an accident in the house, remove a reward or privilege, such as a treat or playtime, in response. This serves as a negative punishment, reducing the likelihood of the undesired behavior happening again.

How to Potty Train a Puppy with Extinction.

Extinction involves ignoring the undesired behavior and waiting for it to stop naturally. This method can be used to potty train a puppy. Extinction can take a very long time in some cases.

Steps for Potty Training a Puppy with Extinction:

Choose a designated potty area: Choose an area in the yard or a designated spot in the house where you want your dog to go potty. This will be the place where you will reinforce the desired behavior.
Watch your dog’s behavior: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior, such as sniffing or circling, as these are signs that they need to go potty.
Take your dog to the designated potty area: As soon as you notice your dog needs to go potty, take them to the designated area.
Reinforce the desired behavior: When your dog goes potty in the correct place, reward them with treats, praise, or petting. This reinforces the desired behavior.
Ignore the undesired behavior: If your dog has an accident in the house, clean it up and ignore the behavior. Over time, as your dog consistently goes potty in the correct place, the undesired behavior will stop naturally through extinction.

Why Harsh Punishment Does Not Work to Potty Train a Puppy.

Harsh punishment, such as scolding or physically correcting your dog, does not work to potty train a dog. This is because punishment increases stress and anxiety, making it more difficult for the dog to learn and remember the desired behavior. In addition, harsh punishment can damage the bond between you and your dog, leading to fear and aggression.
Conclusion Potty training a puppy requires patience and consistency. Still, it can be done effectively using different reinforcement techniques, including positive reinforcement clicker training, differential reinforcement, negative punishment, and extinction. Harsh punishment should be avoided as it is ineffective and can harm the bond between you and your dog. You can potty train your dog by following these steps and using the appropriate reinforcement technique. It is essential to note some dogs have elimination disorders that can be severe. Contact a professional dog behaviorist or trainer if you have a puppy or dog with severe elimination disorders.

Podcast on Potty Training 41 Minutes

References:

American Kennel Club (AKC). (2021). Potty Training Your Puppy: The Do’s and Don’ts. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/potty-training-your-puppy/
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (2021). Potty Training: How to Housebreak Your Dog. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/potty-training-how-housebreak-your-dog
Bailey, R. (2021). Clicker Training for Dogs: How it Works and Tips for Success. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/clicker-training-for-dogs/
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