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The Biggest Potty Training Mistake

  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

puppy drinking water

Waiting for the puppy to tell you they need to go outside is the biggest potty training mistake that can cause more accidents than almost anything else. New puppy owners often expect their puppy to bark at the door, scratch the door. whine, pace around, or sit and stare at them.


The problem is that most puppies don't know how to communicate that yet. They don't realize that the bathroom is outside. When they feel the urge, they simply go wherever they happen to be. Instead, owners need to be proactive.


Take your puppy outside:

  • Immediately after waking up.

  • After eating.

  • After drinking.

  • After play sessions.

  • After training sessions.

  • After naps.

  • Before bedtime.

  • Every 20 to 60 minutes for very young puppies, depending on age.


The Best Puppy Potty Training Method: Managing their Water Intake

Here is a scientific method that I learned from a vet a few years ago. It sets the puppy up for success by allowing them only a small amount of water at a time, and then taking them outside to go potty shortly afterward. 


You can use this same method for food and a pooping schedule. The only difference is that the feedings will be less frequent, usually only 2-3 meals per day. Keep in mind that all dog food has moisture, which turns into liquid inside the body. This will automatically add a little more fluid to the bladder, depending on the type of food consumed. 


Step 1: Give your puppy one ounce of water per lb of body weight per day. You will need a measuring cup to ensure they get the exact amount of water per day.


Step 2: Divide the total amount of water into 4 or 5 servings.


Step 3: Give your puppy one of those servings of water.


Step 4: Take your puppy out to go potty 3 times within one hour after that serving of water.


Example

  • Your puppy weighs 8 lbs. They need 8 ounces of water per day. 

  • Give them a 2-ounce serving of water at 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm.

  • Take them out to pee every 20 minutes after drinking the serving of water: 8:20 am, 8:40 am, and 9:00 am.

  • Repeat this schedule after each additional serving of water. 

  • They will get 16 potty breaks per day.


ALSO…

  • DO NOT LEAVE WATER OUT FOR PUPPY TO DRINK ALL DAY! 

  • Do not give the puppy water late at night.


References:
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