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The PAW Files: Teaching Puppies Where to "Go"!

Toilet training is one of the first big lessons for a puppy—and their puppy raiser! Since young puppies can’t hold it for long, setting up a toileting routine ASAP helps them learn quickly and makes life much easier for everyone. Plus, once they’ve got it nailed, their puppy raiser can focus on all the fun parts of raising a future life-changing dog! 

Puppy raisers use a special cue—"busy"—to teach their puppy to go on cue. Since puppies don’t naturally understand that outside is the best place to “do their business,” their puppy raisers patiently show them where to go and make sure they feel comfortable using that spot. 

Top Toilet Training Tips 

First impressions matter! 
The moment a new puppy arrives at a puppy raiser’s home they should head straight outside for their first pee. No going back inside until they’ve done the deed—this helps set a great precedent! And, of course, once they succeed, they get lots of praise (and maybe a little celebration dance from their puppy raiser!). 

Same spot, every time 
Puppies thrive on routine, so they’re always taken to the same designated toileting area outside. 

Supervision is key! 
Puppy raisers keep a close eye on their puppy and reward them with their own food the moment they go in the right place. Every success is a step closer to a fully house-trained puppy and no more messy puddles (or worse!)! 

No bold corner for accidents 
Mistakes happen! Puppy raisers never tell their puppy off for accidents inside—otherwise, the puppy might get nervous about toileting in front of people (which is not helpful when they need to go outside!). 

Timing is everything 
Puppies are taken out after eating, drinking, sleeping, or playing—because if something exciting just happened, chances are they need to go! The golden rule? “If in doubt, take them out!”. The fewer accidents, the quicker they learn. 

Some puppy raisers even keep a toilet log by the back door to track their puppy’s progress. With patience, consistency, and a little teamwork, these clever puppies soon get the hang of it—one “busy” at a time!