Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and right before bed. During the day, make sure the dog goes out after eating, napping, and exercising. Remember that what goes in regularly will come out regularly, so try to feed meals and offer exercise on a regular schedule. Keep track of how soon the dog needs to go out after eating. If you can anticipate when they need to go, you can better avoid accidents.
If you cannot keep a close eye on the puppy, confine them to their kennel. They are less likely to have an accident in a kennel than wandering around the house. Accidents are inevitable and should never be punished.
The puppy does not yet know how to tell you when it needs to go potty, so you need to be a close observer. Looking for specific signals can help keep you ahead of an accident. Some signals are:
Each dog is an individual, so get to know the signals the pup in your home shows you. When you see one of the signals, immediately take them outside.
Location Consistency
Choose one door to use as the “potty door.” Using the same door is key to the puppy learning the process. Keep the puppy on a leash and walk them directly to a designated potty area. Once they have gone, they can be off-leash in a fenced yard or a long line. Always separate potty time from playtime. The puppy should go potty before playing in the yard.
Praise and Party!
In order for the puppy to learn where the appropriate place to potty is, we need to reward them when they do it right. Have treats near the “potty door” so you can grab some on the way out. Tell the puppy to “get busy.” After the puppy eliminates, mark with a resounding “Yes!” and reward with a cookie.
Stay with the Puppy Outside
Always stay with the puppy outside. If you leave them alone, you miss the chance to praise, encourage, and name the behavior. Staying with the puppy allows them to be comfortable eliminating near you, and you can more easily keep track of what has been done and when. It is also unlikely that your pup will want to ask to go outside if that means they are separated from the security of their human family.
Close Calls
When you see signs of an impending puddle, react! Ask the puppy in an excited voice, "Do you have to go OUTSIDE?" Lead them to the door, continuing to praise all the way. If you are worried about a potential accident, pick them up and carry them outside. Tell the puppy to “get busy” and stay with them until you witness the desired results. Praise with a "Yes - Good dog!"