What is the best way to potty train your puppy????

Question

What is the best way to potty train your puppy????

Answer 1

I believe in the modified crate training method.

First, you make a long-term confinement area.  This should be a fenced in area where the puppy is safe to be left alone and if they go to the bathroom won't cause any problems.  If it's outdoors, no issue.  If indoors then a litter-tray with something that is similar to outdoors should be put in the fenced in area.  It should have the crate in it, and water, and enough room for toys, as well as shelter.

Next, when you're home, the puppy is either in the crate or tied to you.  When the puppy has to go or starts sniffing around, you run them to the door, help them ring a bell, then take them outside, and stand there quietly with the dog on a leash until they go.  Then you give them a treat, and take them for a walk or play.  

When you're gone for more than 3 hours or you can't watch the pup, you put them in the long-term confinement area.  Not only does it eliminate any mistakes on their part, but it keeps them safe.  As you can trust them more, you put up baby gates to restrict movement so that you can keep an eye on the puppy.  

Eventually, you have a pup who rings the bell when they want to go out, and who doesn't eliminate on anything except dirt or rocks or whatever you want them to go on.