House training your puppy: A basic guide

by Dianne Drinkwater 09/19/2022

House training a new puppy can seem like a daunting task for a new pet parent. Even for experienced dog owners, the process is never perfect. Luckily, with some careful planning and understanding, you can train your dog to do his business in the right way at the right time - every time.

How to potty-train a dog indoors & outdoors

The house training process is actually made up of multiple smaller lessons. These concepts all come together to ensure your pup knows when and where it’s allowed to go. Here are the basic things you’ll need to teach your puppy:

The appropriate place to go.
Where not to go.
How to “hold it” if you’re not able to go immediately.
How to communicate to you that they need to go.
A special word or phrase as a bathroom cue.

Keys to success

One of the most important things to help your potty training schedule is to establish a regular feeding schedule. This will help you learn when your puppy’s usual “go time” is, not only helping you train but helping them learn to communicate.

Patience and positivity are also paramount to successful potty training. It may take several tries for your dog to learn these new behaviors, so be ready for quick clean-ups. Never punish or exhibit anger towards your dog if they don’t make it, but always reinforce and praise a perfect potty trip with treats.

Supplies you’ll need to house train your dog

Here are the basic supplies essential to successful house training:

A crate or small exercise pen
Training pads
Treats for positive reinforcement
Carpet cleaner
High-quality puppy food

Litter box training for dogs: Does it work?

Some new pet parents wonder if you can litter box train a dog. The answer is no - not only will larger dogs struggle with going in a confined space, their instinct to dig will make an enormous mess of your home.

Most dogs aren’t fully potty-trained for months. Patience is crucial, but having the right supplies and strategies ready will help make the process as easy as possible.

Training

Training Pets

Dog Training

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater