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1. Establish a Routine
- Take your dog outside first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and before bedtime.
- Puppies may need to go out every 1–2 hours. Adult dogs can hold it longer, but consistency is key.
2. Pick a Bathroom Spot
- Always bring your dog to the same outdoor spot.
- The familiar smell will remind them what to do.
3. Use a Cue Word
- While they start going, softly say a word like “go potty”.
- Over time, they’ll connect the word with the action.
4. Praise and Reward Immediately
- The second they finish, praise warmly and give a small treat.
- Rewarding right after helps them understand what behavior is good.
5. Watch for Signs
- Sniffing, circling, or whining means they probably need to go out.
- Take them out right away to avoid accidents.
6. Supervise Indoors
- Keep your dog close to you or in a crate when you can’t watch.
- Dogs usually won’t soil their sleeping space, so crate training helps.
7. Handle Accidents Calmly
- If you catch them in the act, say “outside!” and bring them to the spot.
- If you find it after, just clean it thoroughly—never punish. Dogs don’t connect past accidents with discipline.
