How to Potty Train Your New Puppy (Without Losing Your Mind)

Potty training a new puppy can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Forget the mess, confusion, or being overwhelmed. Leading animal behaviorists recommend a stress-free, instinct-based approach that's fast, effective, and surprisingly easy: confinement training.

This method taps into your dog's natural instincts to set your new puppy up for success. Read on to learn how to potty train without chaos, stress, or turning your living room into a minefield! Just follow the three easy steps.

PRO TIP: For best results, complete step one before your puppy comes home.

Step 1: Set up a puppy space, which we like to call the “Zen Den”

Before your puppy comes home, create a "Zen Den" using a gate, crate or playpen. This comfortable, safe space is where your puppy will eat, rest, and go potty. The Zen Den typically has these items:

• Bed

• Bowls for water and food 

• Toys and a little space to play 

• Potty area, such as a pee pad, grass patch or self-cleaning system like BrilliantPad

A Zen Den promotes faster learning and fewer accidents. Why? Puppies don’t like to go potty where they eat or sleep. Confining your puppy to a small, structured space with a defined potty area leverages their natural instinct not to relieve themselves where they eat or sleep. 

With consistency and the steps below, your puppy will quickly learn where to go! 

Step 2: Welcome your puppy home by introducing them to their Zen Den

It's exciting to watch a new puppy explore their surroundings, but remember, their world has just been turned upside down. They've left their mother, siblings, and familiar sights and smells.

Initial excitement can quickly turn to fear and sadness. Instead of letting your puppy roam freely, welcome them home by taking them directly to their Zen Den.

PRO TIP: Avoid immediate free-roaming. Too much freedom leads to confusion and more cleanup. Place your puppy in their Zen Den and allow them to "explore out" from there.

Step 3: Establish a routine. Consistency is key!

Like children, puppies thrive on routine, and consistent training is essential for success. Each training session takes just a few minutes – about the same time it takes to make a cup of coffee. 

Take your puppy to their designated potty area inside their Zen Den at these times:

• Immediately after waking up

• 10-15 minutes after eating

• After playtime

• After naps

• Before bedtime

For best results, bring them to their Zen Den anytime you observe them circling or sniffing and before you leave them alone. 

Reinforcement is essential. Immediately reward your puppy with gentle praise, affection, or a small treat each time they successfully go potty in their Zen Den. Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior. Repetition and consistency pave the fastest route to success!

You've got this! Potty training your puppy is achievable with preparation and a consistent routine. Remember to be calm, patient, and consistent. Good habits follow quickly.

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What if my puppy has an accident?

Accidents will happen. When they do, simply clean it up calmly with an enzymatic cleaner like BrilliantPad TidyShot, and focus on reinforcing the correct behavior next time.

What kind of potty should I use in the Zen Den?

We highly recommend BrilliantPad, which is a smart, self-cleaning indoor dog potty. It fits perfectly inside most Zen Dens and manages the mess so you don't have to. Think of it like a self-cleaning litter box, but for dogs. You can learn more about BrilliantPad here. 

Is BrilliantPad only for potty training?

While BrilliantPad is excellent for potty training, it also offers long-term health benefits. Many users are surprised by its ability to control odor and continue using it beyond the puppy stage for convenience, scheduling flexibility, and its ability to help monitor and protect their pet's health.

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For more information on how this ties into your puppy's overall health and well-being, read Protecting New Puppy Health

For a comprehensive guide to preparing your home and getting off to a great start, check out Welcome Home, Puppy! It's an excellent companion to this article.