by Monica Allen

Created on: February 03, 2007   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

Patience and persistence is crucial when potty training your new puppy. People bring puppies into their lives for many reasons, but some, unfortunately, don't properly research the foundation for training a well-mannered companion. It is important to remember that once you bring your puppy home they will need constant guidance.

It's not uncommon for a responsible pet owner to wake up periodically throughout the night to comfort their new puppy and to take them to an outside designated area. Puppies will typically whine and whimper because they miss the warmth of their pack and the closeness they had once felt. This is a great time to reassure them and an ideal moment to take them out. You will help them to associate that outside is a proper place to potty.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when potty training your pup.

1) Frequent Bathroom Breaks Are a Must

To potty train a puppy, it is important to take them outside to urinate every four to five hours, even during the late night and early morning hours. If you have a partner, schedule shifts. Stand with your puppy until the task is complete. Give a command of "Potty," or "Use the Bathroom" so they learn a word command. Remember: You did not wake up for a cold morning stroll just to come back inside to later clean up a mess that could have been avoided.

2) Crate Training Is a Great Tool and Your Pups "Safe Place"

If you are kennel training, which I highly recommend, take them outside to use the bathroom each time you let them out of the kennel; first thing in the morning, after each meal, and before bed. Does this sound like a lot of work? Well, if it does, ask yourself if you are really ready to bring a puppy into your life.

The mentality of a crate being your pup's "safe place" will bring comfort to you and pleasure to your dog. This is where they will sleep without distractions; play with toys without other dogs dominating them, and a place to go when in trouble. However, to make it a "safe place" for your dog, you cannot pester them, yell at them, or allow anyone else to poke fingers in the holes of the crate while your pup is in there. Again, it is their "safe place".

3) Create Familiarity

It is important to take your pup to the same place every time. Find a spot outside and make sure your partner knows where that exact spot is too. Sometimes your puppy will act like they do not need go, but be stern, and stand there patiently until they do.

Having your puppy use the bathroom in the same spot helps

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