Savvy Pet Tips

5 Tips for How to Potty Train a Puppy in an Apartment

Are you finally ready for that perfect adorable puppy you’ve always wanted but are starting to dread the thought of potty training? 

The process of potty training a puppy is less fun when your space is smaller and more limited than in a regular home. You may be wondering how to potty train a puppy in an apartment and get it right the first time. 

Check out these tips that will help you make your small apartment feel like a regular home, helping you raise well-trained apartment dogs. 

1. Establishing a Routine 

The first thing to do is to designate an area in your apartment. If you have a small place you can improvise an area, like putting artificial grass. Learn more about balcony grass for dogs on how to install it in your place. 

To begin the routine, create a regular potty break schedule. Make sure to take the puppy out at the same times each day, such as right after meals, first thing in the morning, after naps, and before bedtime. 

During potty breaks, encourage the puppy to do its business in the designated outdoor area. Do not let it have free roam of the apartment between breaks. 

2. Scheduling Potty Breaks 

Potty training a puppy can be daunting when living in an apartment. The key to success is scheduling potty breaks. 

When puppies are young they’ll need to go out many times per day and will likely still have accidents in the house. Set a timer to remind you every two to three hours to take your pup outside. 

Even if your puppy has no signs of having to go, scheduling these times gets them used to the potty habit. Take your pup outside to the same designated potty spot each time, and use the same verbal cue like “go potty.” Do this for a few weeks and your puppy will begin better understanding when its time for a break. 

3. Strategically Using Rewards 

Each time the puppy goes to the bathroom in the designated spot, reward them with a favorite toy. It is important to be consistent so that the puppy begins to understand the boundaries of where they are allowed to go to the bathroom. Praise is also a great reward and should be used to encourage good behavior. 

4. Cleaning Up Accidents Quickly 

When accidents do occur inside your apartment, it is important to clean them up. Utilizing a cloth towel to soak up any urine, using a natural cleaner, then vacuuming up any residual pieces should do the trick.  

Ensure your pup has regular walks and allow to roam the apartment several times a day to use the bathroom. This can help prevent accidents and remind your pup to use the designated potty area. 

5. Addressing Reinforcement Issues 

To address reinforcement issues, think of behavior as a chain. Rewarding often and introducing new commands will also help keep the chain of success going. 

Above all, don’t be discouraged. Dog training takes a while. Accidents will happen, but in the end, your patience and consistency will pay off. 

Follow These Tips on How to Potty Train a Puppy in an Apartment 

Remember to be patient and consistent with your puppy, and contact a professional trainer if you need help. Potty training your puppy in an apartment doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these tips on how to potty train a puppy in an apartment and start potty training your pup today. 

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