The key to start a good potty training program is consistency and prevention. Some dogs take more time to catch on where is the appropriate place to than others but putting your dog or potty on a set schedule that you adhere to will pay off and make the process much faster.
Yes, it is tough to get up in the middle of the night, but every time you sleep through a mess your dog or puppy gets better and better at soiling in the house. If you have more than one person in the house, make sure everyone knows exactly when they are required to take him outside. If your relationship is new, it is a good idea to take your dog out every few hours, make sure you praise him outside every single time he does his business. Many people will give their dog a treat when they come back in. With stairs and elevators in the process, he will forget why he is getting the treat.
Establish one spot for him to go and keep going to that same spot. When he does his business say “go potty” and then reward him with something good (petting, a toy, verbal praise or a treat). Repeat this every time you take your dog out to his spot. Do not get too excited with your praise as that may scare him into not pottying.
If you choose to do pee pad and outside training, know it will take longer for your dog to learn where to go. It is a good idea to have two separate cues for each. For example, when he potties outside say “potty, yes” and treat. If he potties on his pad say “shazam, yes” and treat. The more work you put in the beginning, the less mess and frustration you will experience.
