Potty Training Your Puppy When You Move

A white Jack Russell terrier with brown patches sits in the middle of a cardboard box while its owner crouches down and laughs.

How can I potty train my puppy when I move?

Potty training a puppy after moving to a new home can be challenging, but with consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can successfully teach your puppy where to go. Here are some steps to help you with the potty training process:

• Establish a routine: Create a regular schedule for taking your puppy out to potty. Puppies generally need to go out first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime. A consistent routine will help your puppy understand when it's time to go outside.
• Observe and anticipate: Watch your puppy's behavior for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing, circling, or whining. Anticipate their needs and take them outside before accidents happen.
• Choose a potty spot: Designate a specific area outside for your puppy to relieve themselves. The scent will help them recognize it as their bathroom spot.
• Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy with treats or verbal praise when they potty outside. Positive reinforcement will help them associate going outside with positive experiences.
• Be consistent with supervision: When you can't actively supervise your puppy, keep them confined to a small, puppy-proofed area. Use a crate or playpen to limit their access to the rest of the house to prevent accidents.
• Clean accidents thoroughly: If accidents happen indoors, clean them up with an enzymatic cleaner. This will eliminate any lingering odor that might attract your puppy to go in the same spot again.
• Avoid punishment: Never scold or punish your puppy for accidents. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, making the potty training process more difficult.
• Be patient: Potty training takes time, and every puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient and understanding during the learning process.
• Watch their diet: Be mindful of your puppy's feeding schedule. Regular, consistent meals will lead to more predictable bathroom habits.
• Monitor water intake: Control your puppy's access to water, especially in the evening, to reduce the likelihood of accidents during the night.

Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful potty training. With time and effort, your puppy will learn the rules and become reliably house-trained in their new home.

How can I potty train my puppy in a new home?

Potty training a puppy in a new home requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

• Set up a designated potty area: Choose a specific spot outside where you want your puppy to go potty. Consistency is essential, so always take them to the same spot. The scent will help them recognize it as their bathroom area.
• Create a routine: Establish a regular potty schedule. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime. A routine will help them develop a predictable bathroom habit.
• Observe and anticipate: Watch your puppy's behavior for signs that they need to go, such as sniffing, circling, or whining. When you notice these signs, take them outside immediately.
• Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy with treats or verbal praise when they potty in the designated area outside. Positive reinforcement helps them associate going potty in the right spot with positive experiences.
• Supervise and confine: Until your puppy is reliably potty trained, keep a close eye on them while they are indoors. Use a crate or playpen to confine them when you cannot actively supervise. Dogs usually avoid soiling their sleeping area, so the crate can encourage them to hold it until you take them outside.
• Be patient and consistent: Potty training takes time, and accidents will happen. Stay patient, and don't get frustrated. Stick to the routine and be consistent in your training methods.
• Clean accidents promptly: If accidents occur indoors, clean them up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any lingering odor. This will prevent your puppy from being attracted to the same spot again.
• Use verbal cues: When you take your puppy outside, use a specific command or cue like "go potty" to associate the action with the phrase. Eventually, they'll learn to go on command.
• Watch their diet and water intake: Keep your puppy on a regular feeding schedule to establish a predictable bathroom routine. Monitor their water intake, especially in the evening, to reduce the likelihood of accidents during the night.
• Be consistent with everyone in the household: Make sure everyone involved in caring for the puppy follows the same potty training routine and uses the same commands.

Remember, potty training requires time and effort, especially in a new environment. Stay positive, reward successes, and your puppy will eventually learn to go potty in the right place.

A Pomeranian puppy lays down on the floor and looks out through a glass door.

What is the best way to establish a new potty training routine?

Establishing a new potty training routine for your puppy requires consistency and patience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up an effective potty training routine:

• Choose a designated potty area: Decide on a specific spot outside where you want your puppy to go potty. This spot should be easily accessible and should have a consistent surface, such as grass or gravel.
• Create a schedule: Develop a regular potty schedule for your puppy. Take them outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime. Puppies usually need to go potty shortly after eating, drinking, or waking up.
• Monitor and observe: Keep a close eye on your puppy's behavior for signs that they need to go potty, such as sniffing, circling, or restlessness. When you notice these signs, immediately take them to the designated potty area.
• Use positive reinforcement: When your puppy goes potty in the right spot, praise and reward them with treats or enthusiastic verbal praise. Positive reinforcement helps them associate pottying in the designated area with positive experiences.
• Keep a journal: In the early stages of potty training, it can be helpful to keep a journal of your puppy's potty times, noting when they eat, drink, and go potty. This will help you identify patterns and adjust the schedule as needed.
• Supervise and confine: Until your puppy is reliably potty trained, keep them under close supervision when they are indoors. Use a crate or playpen to confine them when you cannot actively supervise. This will prevent accidents and help them develop bladder control.
• Be patient and consistent: Potty training takes time, and accidents will happen. Stay patient and avoid punishing your puppy for accidents. Consistency is key in reinforcing the desired behavior.
• Use verbal cues: When you take your puppy outside to the designated potty area, use a specific command or cue like "go potty" or "do your business." Over time, they will associate the cue with the action.
• Clean accidents properly: If accidents occur indoors, clean them up promptly and thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. This will eliminate any lingering odor that might attract your puppy to go in the same spot again.
• Involve everyone in the household: Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the potty training routine and follows it consistently. This will help reinforce the training and prevent confusion for the puppy.

Remember, establishing a potty training routine takes time and dedication. Stay positive, celebrate successes, and adjust the schedule as needed based on your puppy's progress and individual needs. With persistence and patience, your puppy will learn the new potty training routine and become reliably house-trained.

A very dirty and muddy white dog sits on a Porch Potty: a wooden platform with artificial turf on the top.

How do I choose a new bathroom spot for my puppy?

Choosing a new bathroom spot for your puppy requires some careful consideration to ensure it's convenient for both of you. Here's how you can go about selecting the right spot:

• Accessibility: The new bathroom spot should be easily accessible for your puppy, especially during the initial stages of training. If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, make sure the spot is easily reachable without many obstacles or stairs.
• Consistency: Try to choose a spot that is consistent with the previous bathroom spot, if possible. Dogs rely on scent to identify their bathroom area, so if your puppy is used to going on grass, try to find a similar area with grass.
• Privacy: Dogs, like humans, may prefer a little privacy when going potty. Choose a spot that offers some level of privacy from passing people and other animals.
• Distance from living area: The bathroom spot should be at a reasonable distance from your living area. You don't want it too close to your front door or patio, as the smell might be unpleasant when entering or spending time outside.
• Avoid play areas: Make sure the chosen spot is away from play areas and places where your puppy spends a lot of time. Dogs tend to avoid soiling areas where they eat or play.
• Drainage and cleanliness: Ensure the area has good drainage so that it doesn't become a muddy mess during rain. Also, consider how easy it is to keep the area clean, as you'll want to pick up after your puppy regularly.
• Safety: Prioritize your puppy's safety when choosing a bathroom spot. Avoid areas near busy roads or potentially hazardous elements.
• Positive associations: If possible, choose a spot that is associated with positive experiences for your puppy. Taking them to the bathroom spot with enthusiasm and using treats or praise when they go there will create positive associations.
• Consider future growth: Puppies grow quickly, so consider the size your puppy will be when fully grown. Ensure the bathroom spot is still suitable when your dog becomes larger.
• Be flexible: Be open to adjusting the bathroom spot if needed. Sometimes, puppies may have preferences that you didn't anticipate, and it's essential to be flexible to meet their needs.

Remember, the success of the new bathroom spot depends on consistency and positive reinforcement. Always take your puppy to the designated spot on a schedule, use verbal cues, and reward them for going in the right place. With time and patience, your puppy will learn the new bathroom spot and become reliably house-trained.

The ears, big eyes, and nose of a long-haired Chihuahua peeks over the bottom of the image.

How can I be patient with my puppy while potty training?

Being patient with your puppy during potty training is crucial for both of you to have a positive experience. Here are some tips to help you stay patient throughout the process:

• Set realistic expectations: Understand that potty training takes time and accidents are normal, especially with young puppies. Set realistic expectations and be prepared for some ups and downs during the learning process.
• Educate yourself: Learn about your puppy's breed and their typical potty training timeline. Some breeds may take longer to grasp the concept, while others may catch on quickly.
• Stay calm: If accidents happen, avoid getting angry or frustrated. Yelling or scolding your puppy will only create fear and anxiety, making potty training more challenging. Stay calm and remember that accidents are part of the learning process.
• Consistency is key: Stick to a consistent potty training routine. Consistency helps your puppy learn faster, as they can predict when it's time to go outside and where to go.
• Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy every time they potty in the right spot. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the desired behavior and makes the learning process more enjoyable for your puppy.
• Be patient with setbacks: Expect setbacks and understand that progress may not always be linear. Your puppy may have good days and bad days, but with patience and consistency, they will get better over time.
• Keep a sense of humor: Sometimes accidents can be frustrating, but try to keep a sense of humor about it. Remember, puppies are learning, and laughter can help relieve stress and tension.
• Take breaks: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a short break from training. Step outside or engage in a different activity to relax before resuming the training.
• Focus on bonding: Use potty training as an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your puppy. Spending time together during training sessions can build trust and enhance your relationship.
• Practice self-care: Potty training can be mentally and emotionally draining. Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, engaging in activities you enjoy, and seeking support from friends, family, or online communities of fellow puppy owners.

Remember, patience is a virtue, and potty training is a temporary phase. Your puppy will eventually learn the rules and become reliably house-trained with your consistent, patient, and positive approach.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when potty training a puppy in a new home?

Potty training a puppy in a new home can be challenging, but avoiding common mistakes will make the process smoother and more successful. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Inconsistency: One of the most significant mistakes is being inconsistent with the potty training routine. Stick to a schedule for feeding and potty breaks to help your puppy develop a predictable bathroom habit.
• Not supervising: Leaving your puppy unsupervised indoors can lead to accidents. Always keep an eye on them or confine them to a crate or playpen when you cannot actively supervise.
• Punishing accidents: Punishing your puppy for accidents indoors can create fear and anxiety. Positive reinforcement is much more effective. Praise and reward them when they go potty in the right spot and ignore accidents.
• Using potty pads indefinitely: While potty pads can be helpful during the early stages, relying on them for too long can confuse your puppy about where they should go. Transition away from potty pads once your puppy is comfortable going outside.
• Not cleaning accidents Properly: If accidents happen indoors, clean them thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. Standard household cleaners may not fully remove the scent, and the puppy may be drawn to the same spot again.
• Not paying attention to signs: Learn to recognize your puppy's potty cues, such as sniffing, circling, or whining. Taking them outside when you notice these signs can prevent accidents.
• Ignoring regular bathroom breaks: Stick to a regular schedule for potty breaks, even if your puppy doesn't show obvious signs of needing to go. Preventive trips outside can avoid accidents.
• Skipping rewards: Praise and reward your puppy every time they go potty in the right spot. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the desired behavior.
• Not being patient enough: Potty training takes time, and every puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient, and avoid getting frustrated with your puppy's progress.
• Neglecting regular exercise: Regular exercise is essential for a puppy's overall well-being, including their potty training success. A tired puppy is more likely to have better bladder control.
• Letting the puppy roam unsupervised: During the early stages of potty training, avoid giving your puppy free rein of the entire house. Keep them in a smaller area where you can monitor them closely.
• Not celebrating progress: Celebrate every successful potty break outside, especially during the initial stages of training. Positive reinforcement and praise will motivate your puppy to repeat the behavior.

By avoiding these common mistakes and using positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, you can effectively potty train your puppy in their new home. Remember, it's a learning process for both you and your puppy, so stay committed and positive throughout the journey.

For more information on potty training your puppy, check out these articles:

Safe and Sound: How to Puppy Proof Your Apartment Like a Pro

How to Potty Train a Puppy

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Puppy? Tips for Success