Housetraining Your Puppy
Housetraining Your Puppy
Here are some of my favorite tips & tricks for housebreaking your new puppy.
Because there are so many different methods out there, I’m going to share the one I personally use and recommend—it’s quick, effective, and gentle.
First Things
NOT
to Do
🚫 Never spank your puppy if they go potty in the wrong spot.
If anything, you should give yourself a gentle reminder—it’s your job to have them in the right place at the right time. Spanking only teaches your puppy not to eliminate in front of you, which can actually make housetraining harder.
🚫 Don’t rub their nose in it.
This old-fashioned advice does more harm than good. It doesn’t teach them where to go—it just makes them hide when they need to go, which means you might find “surprises” in places you don’t want them.
My Favorite Method for Fast, Low-Stress Housetraining
I recommend keeping your puppy in an exercise pen (you can find great options here, here, or here).
Here’s how I set it up:
One end: Bed, food, and water.
Other end: Puppy pad in a sturdy pad holder.
Keep the pen in the main living area where you spend the most time. That way, your puppy can see you, feel included, and stay relaxed.
A pad holder is a game-changer—it keeps pads from being chewed, bunched up, or turned into toys. To help your puppy understand what it’s for, dab a little of their urine on it. This sends a clear signal: “This is where I go.”
When they use it correctly—celebrate! Tell them they’re a good dog (because they are).
Update – July 2024:
Why We Now Use the BrilliantPad Potty Tray System
We’ve switched to the BrilliantPad Potty Tray System and it’s been a huge upgrade for both puppies and owners.
For Pet Parents:
Peace of mind knowing your pet always has a clean potty.
Independence if outdoor access is difficult or you have limited mobility.
No more handling messy, soiled pads.
Improves the level of care and makes it easier to monitor your puppy’s health.
For Pet Wellness:
Prevents discomfort from holding it too long.
Great for shy or nervous dogs.
Keeps pets safe indoors during extreme weather or when there are outdoor hazards.
Works perfectly for puppies during training—and they can continue using it for life.
Teaching Your Puppy to Use Pads and Go Outside
When your young pup needs to potty, the goal is for them to stop what they’re doing, look around, find their pad, and go use it. Excellent dog! Excellent human!
While your puppy is learning to use pads, you can also train them to go outside at the same time. Puppies usually need to potty after:
Every meal
Waking up from a nap
Use this to your advantage—when you’re home, take them out on a leash to the same spot each time. Stand quietly and look boring so your puppy doesn’t think it’s playtime.
The Potty Cue
Pick a phrase like “Go potty” and use it consistently. If your pup smells a spot where they’ve gone before, they’ll catch on quickly—just don’t play until they’ve finished.
Once they do go? Celebrate! Clap, praise them, and play. AWESOME DOG! AWESOME HUMAN!
House Freedom Must Be Earned
Never give your puppy full run of the house until they’ve proven they’re trustworthy. If you want cuddle time, that’s fine—but supervise closely. Play or snuggle with them in their pen or safe space until they’ve earned more freedom.
When they’re doing well in their smaller space, you can graduate them to the kitchen or a larger area without rugs or carpet. (To a puppy, a throw rug feels a lot like a potty pad!)
If accidents happen:
Clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle to remove odors.
And yes—give yourself a playful “spank” for not catching it in time.
Nighttime Housetraining
At night, I often keep my dog in their bathroom, laundry, or kitchen—but puppies can get lonely. Since dogs are pack animals, they prefer to be near their humans.
I keep the kennel next to my bed so I can reach in and let my puppy smell my hand as they fall asleep. Puppies can’t hold it all night (and neither can I!), so I plan for one or two potty breaks.
I train for both inside and outside options so I can choose what’s easiest—especially if it’s raining, snowing, or freezing at 3 a.m.!
If you let your dog sleep on your bed, be sure you wake up when they stir, or you might wake up to a mess (and another “spank yourself” moment).
Settling Into a New Home
When a puppy moves into a new home, it can take a couple of days for them to learn their new potty spots.
The good news? Puppies from Setareh Yorkies already have a strong foundation in housetraining before they go home with you. Consistency is key—any accident sets you back a little, but you’ll get there.
Some owners install potty bells on the door so their dog can signal when it’s time to go out. Others use litter boxes. The method is less important than your consistency.
Litterbox Training Option
Some families prefer litterbox training, which is similar to (but not the same as) cat litter training. My fellow breeder at Parson’s Place has a wonderful page explaining her process.
I use corn cob bedding (available at most farm stores) and gradually mix in the safe, pine-scented kitty litter she recommends.
Recommended Reading
I can’t say enough good things about Patricia McConnell, PhD—she really knows dogs and makes learning fun. Her small but excellent book on housetraining, Way to Go!, is a must-read.
Final Thoughts on Housetraining
Housetraining takes patience, consistency, and a little bit of humor—but the reward is a happy, well-mannered pup and clean floors for years to come. Remember to celebrate the wins, learn from the “oops” moments, and stay consistent with your method. Whether you choose pads, outdoor training, or a combination of both, your puppy will thrive when they know exactly what you expect. You’ve got this—and your puppy will thank you for it with a lifetime of loyalty and love.
