HOW TO POTTY TRAIN A POMSKY

Ah, yes. Potty training. A Rite of Passage for every new puppy owner that can certainly test one’s patience. Some puppies catch on super quick while others take a little while longer to get the hang of.

By the time our puppies go home, they’ll already have a head start on potty training. But chances are, if you’re on this page, you and your pup need a couple of tips. And that’s totally okay! And just remember- be patient - this is temporary!

Potty training has a plethora of options, depending on your living situations. There are artificial grass pads, artificial turf, regular grass backyards of course, diapers and wraps; some owners opt to teach their dog to ring a bell at their door or push a button (fancy!), whilst others have doggy doors.

We encourage positive reinforcement and a diligent eye during the potty training days. You’ll want to avoid yelling, scolding, hitting or forcefully moving them but instead, when you catch them “ in the act” quickly go to them saying “no no no no” (without yelling), gently pick them up and place them in your backyard or wherever you’re trying to teach them to go on and let them finish their business. Be sure to reward them with lots of happy praise, a small treat or pets when they successfully go potty where you want them to. Over time, through repetition and positive reinforcement- they will catch on and you’ll no longer have to train them once it finally “clicks” for them.

We will attach some helpful videos here on this page, as well as a few article links, should you find them helpful.

Some thoughts…

  • Holy Grail: Doggy Doors (makes your life easier and the dog’s life easier- it’s so worth it!)

    • Regular doors: installing one isn’t too hard

    • Sliding doors: you can get doggy door inserts

  • Did you know?

    • Puppies typically don’t gain complete bladder/bowel control until about 16 weeks of age

    • This doesn’t mean your doomed to be training until 16 weeks, as some puppies catch on much earlier. And don’t freak out if they are past 16 weeks and they still have the occasional accident. Remember: they are BABIES.

    • Understanding this can help you keep realistic expectations and giving your puppy some grace

  • Be Prepared & Clean Properly

    • Starting puppy training without cleaning supplies is a guaranteed headache

    • Clean accident areas thoroughly. If a puppy’s powerful nose can smell remnants of urine or poop from a past accident, they are more likely to return to that place and think that’s where they are supposed to be going

  • A good rule of thumb is that a pup can hold their bladder for about as many hours as they are months old