It is important to remember that puppies are going to have accidents.
Negative reinforcement such as yelling or swatting them will only make them afraid and less likely to respond positively to your training in the future. Therefore, simply pick your dog up as soon as you notice them going to the restroom and carry them outside or to their indoor grass patch.
Once there, provide your preferred command and give them positive reinforcement once they finish relieving themselves. If you discover an accident after the fact, don’t rub their nose in it or scold them since doing so will only confuse them.
Young puppies have short memories, and they may not associate your anger with the accident. Instead, clean it up promptly so that the scent will not attract them to the wrong place again.
Recruit Help
There may be times when you are unable to provide the consistent potty training your dog needs to be successful.
For example, working away from home for several hours will make it impossible to take your dog outside every few hours. Plan ahead by asking a friend or professional dog caregiver to visit your apartment during these times so that your dog does not get off schedule.
If your dog will be left alone during the times that a caregiver is not there, place them in a potty-proof safe area that is lined with the same artificial grass they have been training with all along.
Adding a canine companion to your apartment will fill it with joy.
Yet, you still have several months of puppy potty training ahead before you and your dog establish a solid routine. While there will be a few accidents along the way, enjoy praising your puppy’s efforts and know that there will be mess-free days just waiting around the corner. By investing your time and effort in potty training your puppy now, you can look forward to a happy future with your new pet.
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