| Dog owners typically fall into two categories: those | | | | bathroom and a downstairs bathroom. |
| that are fans of big dogs like Alaskan Huskies and | | | | 4. Will you be using a litter box, puppy training pads |
| German Shepherds, or those that enjoy the little | | | | (either washable or disposable) or one of those fake |
| breeds such as Maltese and Yorkies. For small dogs, | | | | grass "porches"? Each method has different |
| there is the option of potty training them to go | | | | advantages, so consider which is best for your home. |
| indoors, due to the fact that their messes are so | | | | 5. If using puppy training pads, would you prefer to |
| "little" and therefore manageable in an indoor setting. | | | | just buy a pack of them each week and toss them |
| Can you imagine a big German Shepard squatting | | | | as they are used, or shake them out into the toilet |
| over a litter box? Hmm, me neither. But for a little | | | | and store them somewhere to be washed each |
| pup that will never reach more than 8 pounds, this is | | | | week? Some puppies love to shred those training |
| definitely an option for you. Whether you choose | | | | pads, so be choosy. |
| indoors or outdoors is really up to you, but there are | | | | 6. Do you plan to travel with your dog? If so, |
| some considerations if you are leaning towards an | | | | consider a method that will travel well. Puppy training |
| indoor potty system. | | | | pads can be easily packed and taken to dog friendly |
| I personally use an indoor system for my little four | | | | hotels. Once you have figured out the details, you |
| pound Maltese, as I did not want to go outside late | | | | should begin the process of house training puppies to |
| at night and she's too small to go out by herself, as | | | | go indoors. It's not that much different from the |
| we have deer, coyotes and the occasional mountain | | | | outdoor method, but there are some key points you |
| lion in our neighborhood. However, I have to be | | | | will need to remember: |
| consistent with changing the washable puppy training | | | | - Use a leash when taking your pup to the potty |
| pads twice a day, otherwise the house stinks like | | | | spot. This way you can keep him in the right area, |
| urine. The pads have to be kept in a closed pail in the | | | | and she cannot wander off to explore. |
| laundry room, otherwise the unpleasant odor leaks | | | | - Using a slightly soiled training pad may help your |
| out into the rest of the house, especially in the | | | | puppy with the understanding that this is the |
| summer. But the advantage is that she knows where | | | | designated toilet area. However, it shouldn't be filthy, |
| to go, and just runs over to the spot to relive | | | | just a little hint of what is to happen there. |
| herself whenever she needs to. | | | | - How often you change the puppy training pads |
| It really depends on your preference and lifestyle as | | | | really depends on your tolerance for smell and your |
| to which method, indoor potty or outdoor potty is | | | | dog's willingness to go in a soiled area. Some dogs will |
| preferred. If you are considering an indoor potty | | | | not go if the area is too dirty, just like humans don't |
| method, here are some things to think about: | | | | like to go into a stall with a filthy, unflushed toilet. |
| 1. Is there a place within your home that can be set | | | | - Have treats nearby the area so you can give your |
| up as a permanent potty area? Consider if this area | | | | dog a treat and lots of praise the moment he does |
| will be visible to guests. The location needs to be | | | | his business in the right spot. |
| carefully selected, because you pup will be resistant | | | | - If you catch your pup sniffing the ground or |
| to changing locations later, so choose the right spot | | | | walking in circles, this is an indication that he needs to |
| to begin with! | | | | go. Take him immediately to the potty spot. |
| 2. How will that area of the home be affected by a | | | | Hopefully these tips will get you started. House |
| lingering scent? Will that be OK? | | | | training puppies takes time, patience and a willingness |
| 3. Is this location easy for your pup to reach? If you | | | | to be consistent. But it is well worth the time and |
| have a large home, or multistory home, you may | | | | effort. Now get started! |
| need two different locations, so there is an upstairs | | | | |