Potty Training Puppies

Who wouldn’t love it if their brand new puppy came with some potty training already started?!? Potty training puppies is one of the many types of training we begin and a crucial part of preparing them for their new homes.

A Boise Goldens puppy is well on its way to mastering this skill before they leave our care. It all starts at just three weeks old when we introduce a litter box with alfalfa pellets to their enclosure. The best option we found for the container is actually a plastic water heater pan from your hardware store. Ours was $12 which is super reasonable. Some people use a washing machine pan but the sides are very low and the pellets go everywhere! Fill the tray/pan about halfway full with pellets. We then place a wet “pee pad” in with the alfalfa which alerts their noses that this is the place to go! This helps them begin to associate a specific area with eliminating waste, laying the groundwork for future training.

As the puppies grow older and can regulate their own body temperature, we gradually transition them to go potty in the great outdoors (weather permitting). Once they reach the appropriate age, we start taking them outside as soon as they wake up and then every 20 to 30 minutes while they're still awake. This consistent schedule helps reinforce good potty habits and teaches them to relieve themselves outside. Through positive reinforcement and patience, we guide them through the learning process, praising them for successful trips outdoors.

By the time our puppies are ready to go to their new homes, the majority of them have mastered the art of potty training. Our dedication to consistent training and providing them with ample opportunities to succeed ensures that they leave us with a solid foundation for continued success in their new environments. It's a rewarding journey to witness their progress and know that we've played a part in setting them up for a happy, healthy life with their new families!