How to Potty Train a Puppy Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Walking dogs is one of the reasons why their owners are often considered extroverts. We mean, who wants to go outside at 8 a.m. on a Sunday in November? However, allowing dogs to go to the toilet outside is not the only solution. A puppy pad and a litter tray are a great solution for miniature breeds and puppies. Moreover, if you have not yet done all the vaccinations, walking your dog can be dangerous. How to potty train dogs indoors? Let's figure it out with our step-by-step instructions!

Why Choose Indoor Potty Training for Your Puppy?

We are used to the fact that dogs need to go outside 2–3 times a day. However, indoor tray usage will be an alternative for those who are uncomfortable walking their pet so regularly. What are the benefits of indoor potty training for dogs? We have highlighted several of them:

• Safety for the puppy. Reduces the risk of infections, hypothermia, and injuries during walks.
• Comfort in bad weather. Suitable for regions with cold winters, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat.
• A solution for small breeds. Small dogs often cannot hold their potty time for long periods and need more frequent bathroom breaks.
• An alternative for senior dogs. The knowledge of how to train older dogs to use indoor potty will help you with difficulties in going outside due to health problems.
• Less stress for the dog. Some puppies are afraid of the street or loud noises, and an indoor toilet helps reduce anxiety.

Potty training can be a permanent solution or a temporary alternative. It is also a good idea to slowly transition to outdoor walking from how to train a dog for a toilet. For example, you can replace morning walks to save time and add a new habit step by step. Try both options to find out which one suits your four-legged friend better.

Preparing for Indoor Potty Training: Essential Supplies

If you have decided to start indoor puppy potty training, you need to start preparing in advance. This process involves the psychological part and requires additional accessories. Here is what you need to buy to start potty training:

• Pads or a tray. This is the puppy's main toilet place: choose the appropriate option depending on the size of the dog. If you pick an absorbent pad, we recommend purchasing a holder that will prevent slipping and reduce discomfort.
• A tray with a grate and filler. A practical option for indoor dog potty training for small breeds because these additions help keep paws clean and absorb odors.
• Sprays with an aroma. Usually, two types of them are enough: an attractive and a repulsive one. Use to motivate the puppy to use the litter box and to wean it off by going to other places accordingly.
• Cleaning products. Buying classic products without ammonia and special wipes for quick cleaning will be ideal. Avoid aggressive components in the composition and strong smells so as not to scare away the pet.

What are the main advantages of additional supplies of indoor potty training? They will simplify the process of accustoming to the toilet for the dog and you. It will be easier for you to keep the apartment clean even at the initial stage. The puppy will be able to accelerate this process, being in comfort.

How to Potty Train a Puppy Indoors: Step-by-Step Instructions

Was the preparation successful? Great, it's time to move on to the main action: the process of training and habituation. Usually, this takes about a few weeks, so you should be there and help your pet. Here's how it happens step by step:

• Determine the place. Choose a quiet and inconspicuous place in the apartment for the bathroom zone and indoor puppy training. It should be comfortable for the pet. Do not change the place until the puppy is completely accustomed to the tray.
• Observe. If this is your first time owning a dog, you should be incredibly attentive to changes in its behavior. If it shows discomfort and whines, it must most likely go to the toilet. Furthermore, take the pet to the pad or tray after sleep, food, and active games.
• Use a command and reward successes. Repeat the same word (for example, "toilet") until this is crowned successfully. Immediately after using the toilet, praise the puppy, give treats, and create positive associations.

The key to success is to be patient in this process. How to indoor potty train a puppy gently? This is a tiny creature that has difficulty understanding its urges and instincts. You can help it with this and become a guide during its growth. Do not punish or shout so as not to traumatize the dog.

How to Train Your Puppy to Use an Indoor Potty Spot

Veterinarians note that the norm for dogs is considered to be visiting the toilet from one to three times a day. Of course, a puppy needs more time for this, considering how to effectively potty train a puppy. Therefore, the average break between training sessions can be 2–3 hours.

How can a puppy navigate faster? Try limiting the space with a playpen. This zoning solution will help the dog build an association. If you notice that the puppy is going to use another place as a litter box, move it to the diapers and praise it if it succeeds.

Maintaining cleanliness is comfort for you and the animal. Dogs are not squeamish creatures, but going to the toilet with a bad smell and on the unchanged pad is uncomfortable. If there are carpets or soft coverings in the tray area, it is worth drilling them to eliminate the possibility of odors spreading so that the pet does not confuse the carpet with the filler. You can also find out how to train your dog to use indoor grass so they can use it instead of pads. 

Common Challenges in Indoor Potty Training and How to Overcome Them

Any process of learning and growing up is full of challenges, mistakes, and funny situations. And this is normal! We all did something for the first time, so we understand how difficult it can be for puppies. Work on the mistakes of how to potty train a dog indoors together:

• Ignoring the diaper or tray. The reason may be that they do not consider this thing as a toilet. Use a special spray that attracts the puppy to the desired area. Try leaving a piece of a used diaper – the smell will help them get their bearings.
• The puppy can’t use the pad correctly. This most often indicates discomfort. The pad is too small or not secured. Try replacing it with a tray with high sides, adding a fence, or putting a rubber tray underneath.
• Using another place as a bathroom. This typically happens if the smell remains in another place. In this case, clean the spot again and use a repellent spray. Try to close off access to this place while dog indoor potty training. If the problem does not go away, make a temporary toilet there and gradually move it where you need it.
• Territory marking. This situation is observed in males 4–5 months old and indicates that they have too much energy. Monitor the regime, add more active games, or consider sterilization. 

A vital step in accustoming a puppy to a tray is to emphasize that this is not a toy but a necessary thing for everyday life. These training sessions should become your routine and habit. Therefore, it is better to do this regularly, even if you alternate between a home toilet and an outdoor one. 

Tips for Indoor Potty Training Small Dogs and Older Puppies

Great, we've covered all the aspects of how to potty train a puppy indoors! Are you still having trouble? No problem! We've highlighted life hacks from experienced owners that will help you figure it out faster:

• Small breeds need more frequent breaks. Their bladders are small, so put more pads and keep an eye on the schedule.
• Use a tray with low sides. It's easier for small dogs to get into it, and it's easier for older puppies to get used to it.
• Add several pads in different places. Tiny dogs often don't have time to run to one point.
• Monitor the size of the toilet area. Small dogs can miss” if the pad is too small.
• Gradually give more freedom. Try it only when the puppy consistently goes to the pad. Otherwise, mistakes are possible.

Indoor potty training for small dogs is not just about “training.” This is an essential stage in forming a habit and the basis for training discipline. Mistakes are inevitable, but every small success is a step forward. The main thing is not to give up and be consistent. Remember that the puppy learns from your attitude towards them. Be patient and kind, and you can do it!

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FAQ

How do I start puppy indoor potty training?

Start by choosing a comfortable place for the toilet: it should be a quiet area. Use puppy pads or a tray and limit the puppy's space at first. Regularly put them on the pad after sleep, meals, and games. Praise successes and avoid punishment for mistakes.

What is the best way to potty train a dog indoors?

The most effective method of how to litter train a puppy indoors is consistency and encouragement. Set a clear planting schedule, use a command (for example, "toilet"), and give treats for correct actions. Limit the puppy's space to prevent accidental mistakes, and gradually give more freedom when they learn the rules.

Can I teach an older dog to use an indoor potty?

Yes, but adult dogs may need more time to adapt. Use the same methods as for puppies: choose a place, set a schedule, and use positive reinforcement. The key is patience and consistency, especially if the dog has not been house-trained before.

How long does it take to effectively potty train a puppy indoors?

The average time of how to train a dog to use the bathroom inside is 2 to 6 weeks. Small puppies learn faster but may have more extended bladder control. Intelligent and trainable pets are adjusting faster, and small breeds may take longer to get used to it due to physiological peculiarities. 

What supplies do I need for indoor dog potty training?

It depends on your budget and needs. A standard puppy toilet training kit includes the following: 

• Diapers or a tray with a grate;
• a holder for diapers to prevent them from slipping;
• attractive and repellent spray;
• ammonia-free cleaning products;
• treats for encouragement;
• a playpen or pen to limit space (at first).

You can also adjust this list depending on what exactly your puppy needs and what problems they are experiencing. Observe their behavior to ensure your kit is up-to-date.