Toilet Training

Toilet training is a crucial skill every dog needs to learn- that's why we start as soon as your puppy's eyes open! We toilet train our puppies to use Fake Grass Pads in their puppy play pens. Whilst there's still some work to be done in their new homes, our puppies have a great foundation.

Whether you opt for outdoor areas or have a designated indoor space, the right methods can significantly enhance the experience.

Understanding Your Puppy’s Needs

Before jumping into toilet training specifics, it’s essential to grasp your puppy's natural behaviors. Puppies have small bladders, usually needing to relieve themselves every 1-2 hours. This frequency increases after activities such as naps, playtime or meals. Identifying your puppy's signals, like sniffing or whining, aids in predicting when they need to go.

For example, if you take your puppy outside right after they wake up or have a meal, they are more likely to use the bathroom successfully. Being attentive to these behaviors will help you make better training choices. Remember, patience and consistency are crucial!

Setting Up for Success: Outdoor Areas

Utilizing outdoor spaces for toilet training can be incredibly effective. Here’s how to maximize your outdoor training efforts:

Choose a Designated Spot

Select a specific area in your yard for your puppy’s bathroom breaks. If you consistently take them to the same place, the smell will encourage them to return. Studies show that dogs learn better through repetition, and this method takes advantage of that.

Create a Routine

Establish a consistent routine for bathroom breaks. Common times include first thing in the morning, right after meals, and just before bed. Sticking to this schedule helps your puppy learn when and where it's appropriate to relieve themselves.

Reward and Reinforce

Always reward your puppy with praise or small treat right after they successfully use the designated spot. Positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat the behavior.

Utilizing Your Puppy Playpen

While outdoor training is important, especially during bad weather or if you live in an apartment, an indoor option can be a lifesaver. Your puppy playpen can serve as a great training tool:

Your Fake Grass Pee Pads Inside Your Playpen

We start training with our puppies from the time their eyes open in their whelping box. Puppies naturally wish to keep their areas clean, so by providing a designated bedding area and their toilet area, they learn to use their pee pads very fast. By the time your puppy goes home, they effectively know how to use their pee pad in their play pen with consistent results. We recommend using your puppy play pen and toilet pad overnight- that way you don't loose any precious sleep or have any accidents to clean up.

Monitor and Reward

Keep a close eye on your puppy while they are in the playpen. Watch for cues that they need to go and guide them to the pads. Just like outdoor training, rewarding them immediately after they use the pads correctly reinforces this behavior.

Training Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra strategies to enrich your puppy’s toilet training process:

Be Vigilant

Always watch your puppy for signs they need to relieve themselves, indoors or outdoors. Catching them before an accident occurs not only aids training but also builds their confidence.

Clean Up Accidents Properly

Accidents will happen, and that’s perfectly normal! Clean any messes thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors. If the smell lingers, your puppy may return to that spot to relieve themselves again. We recommend UrineFree for best results, enjoy using our discount code- SIELLECAVALIERS

urineFREE: Enzymatic Urine Stain Cleaner for Pet Urine

Stay Calm and Patient

Toilet training can feel overwhelming some days, especially when setbacks occur. Remain calm; your puppy senses your mood. If they have an accident, focus on redirecting and rewarding them for correct behavior instead of scolding.

Transitioning to Independence

Once your puppy consistently goes outside or uses the pads in their playpen, it's time to gradually foster their independence:

Gradually Reduce Supervision

Start giving your puppy short periods of unsupervised time in your home. Pay attention to their behavior. As they demonstrate reliable toilet habits, you can gradually increase these periods.

Expand Their Boundaries

If your puppy is successfully using the designated outdoor area or pee pads, consider broadening their options. Allow them greater access to your yard or start introducing them to different rooms in your home.

Celebrate Their Achievements

Praise your puppy as they progress, especially when they have successful toilet breaks in the appropriate places. Celebrating these milestones not only reinforces good behavior but also keeps your puppy motivated throughout the training.

Our 3 week old baby taking herself to the toilet.