You've just brought your new furry bundle of joy home and you're excited to start your journey into pet parenthood. But alongside all the snuggles and selfies, puppy ownership includes a lot of responsibility. You're about to become your dog's most important teacher. So, let's talk about how to potty train your puppy in an apartment.
Apartments and condos usually have a lot less square footage than a house with a yard. This limited outdoor space and the proximity to your neighbors can make the process of potty training your puppy in an apartment more challenging. But the good news is that it's totally possible to house train your new dog in a small space. Read on as we share tips on how to potty train a puppy in an apartment.
How to potty train a puppy in an apartment
Once you've got Fido at home, follow these steps to potty train your pup.
Shop for supplies
Potty-training supplies may include a dog crate, pee pads, dog potties or grass patches. Despite the "mucky puppy" stereotype, dogs like being clean and will rarely defecate or urinate where they sleep or eat.1 That's why crate training is an important part of your puppy training regime. A crate is usually a safe resting place and, therefore, pups will try their best to keep it clean.
In addition, dogs are traditionally den animals and the right-sized crate will make them feel secure.2 A crate should never be used as a punishment. A good-sized crate will provide enough room to lie down, stand up, and turn around, but not a corner to pee in. You can purchase crates with dividers to allow the space to grow as your puppy gets bigger.
Read these tips for apartment living with dogs.
Establish a potty training schedule
A regular potty training schedule is important for establishing routines. Puppies can hold their bladders for about one hour for every month of age. So, a 5-month-old puppy can wait for up to five hours.3
Take your puppy outside or onto their designated pee spot when they wake up, then every couple of hours or after they eat, drink or play. Right before you settle down for bedtime, take them for one last bathroom break. You can also try using a repeated word or phrase (like "pee time") to build recognition for this important errand.
Part of the potty schedule also includes feeding your puppy at regular intervals. After all, what goes in must come out!
Related article: Dealing with Nippy Dogs
Create a potty training area
Designating a specific area for puppy potty training in your apartment can help keep things tidy in small spaces. Although your puppy needs to go outside to use the bathroom as much as possible, sometimes you'll need an alternative—especially in an apartment. Try using these helpful tools:
- Pee pads: These convenient absorbent floor coverings help train your dog to relieve themselves in a specific spot.
- Grass patch: If you have a terrace or balcony, put the grass patch outside for those times when you can't get down to the ground floor.
- Indoor dog potty: Although more commonly associated with cats, indoor litter trays for dogs with tall sides that accommodate leg-lifting behavior are available.
Use positive reinforcement
Rewards work much better than punishments. When your puppy goes potty, give lots of instant verbal praise, affection and maybe even a treat.
Watch closely to spot the signs
Supervise your puppy closely in the early stages to prevent accidents and reinforce good behavior. If you're unable to give your dog your full attention, use a crate until you finish your task. The same goes when you have to leave the house: A not-yet-potty-trained puppy should be placed in a crate until you can supervise them again.
Pay attention and you'll be able to recognize when your dog needs to go to the bathroom. Watch for scratching at the door, whining, squatting, sniffing, circling or restlessness. Then, immediately take them outside or to their designated bathroom spot.4
Be consistent
Maintain a regular schedule, using the same commands and following the same routine to help your puppy understand your expectations. Make sure everyone who lives in the home uses the same techniques to avoid confusion.
Accept that accidents happen
Accidents are a normal part of the potty-training process. Although it might be frustrating, resist the urge to punish or scold your puppy if they have an accident.1 Instead, use a startling noise or clap to interrupt your dog if they are urinating or defecting in the home. Then, take them outside to finish and offer lots of praise.
If you find a mess after the act has occurred, don't scold your puppy. Instead, clean up the mess quickly and take your dog to the normal bathroom spot to reinforce the correct behavior. Carefully clean up any messes to prevent re-marking behaviors, as dogs will often return to urinate in the same spot.3
How to deal with common issues
Be ready for the most common problems you may experience when potty training your puppy in an apartment. All it takes is a little planning!
- Marking territory: Puppies may engage in urine marking to claim their territory.5 Discourage this behavior by quickly and thoroughly cleaning the area and making it inaccessible, if possible. This is a testosterone-driven behavior, so consider neutering at an appropriate age.
- Separation anxiety: Crating your puppy when you need to leave them alone for short periods can help prevent destructive behaviors and make them feel more secure.6 It's important that their crate is a positive space where they can expect to find their favorite toys and relax.
- Fear: Anxiety can prevent your puppy from using the potty effectively. If loud noises are making them skittish, try taking them to a quiet spot away from traffic and people when it's time for them to go potty.
Celebrate progress
Potty training takes time and patience, but it's worth the effort. Make sure you celebrate all the progress you and your puppy are making along the way. Address and accept setbacks as a natural part of this process. You're both doing a great job!
Related article: After Puppy-Proofing Your Home: Create a Puppy Wellness Space
Practice patience and consistency
You are at the very beginning of your relationship with your dog, and there's so much to learn. Patience and consistency are the skills you'll need to potty train your puppy in an apartment and develop healthy habits for the long haul.
From Pets Best
Don't be afraid to ask your veterinarian for help if you need further advice on house training your puppy. Pets Best policyholders can also speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources
1Abbie Mood. “How to Potty Train a Dog When You Live in an Apartment." American Kennel Club. February 18, 2020. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-potty-train-a-dog-when-you-live-in-a-high-rise/. Accessed February 14, 2023.
2“How to Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy." The Humane Society of the United States. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101. Accessed February 14, 2023.
3“How to Potty Train Your Dog or Puppy." The Humane Society of the United States. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-potty-train-your-dog-or-puppy. Accessed February 14, 2023.
4Jacqueline Brister, DVM. “Housetraining and Crate Training Dogs." May 17, 2018. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8562851. Accessed February 14, 2023.
5“Housetraining Your Puppy." PAWS. https://www.paws.org/resources/housetraining-your-puppy/. Accessed February 14, 2023.
6“Separation Anxiety." American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety. Accessed February 14, 2023.