She’s a bundle of joy, bouncing around the house giving you endless fun. Nothing matches the love of a puppy. She’s curious, happy, energetic.
Your new GSP puppy is also ready to go pee. Oh, you aren’t near the door? That’s okay, she doesn’t need to go outside. Right where she’s standing is good enough for her.
Just maybe not you. The first time it happens may be cute, but after that, the smell of pee is going to get old. So, what’s the best way to potty train your new GSP puppy?
The good news is that German Shorthaired Pointers are smart and they want to please you. That means they’ll quickly understand what you’re telling them and want to keep putting that smile on your face.
That means, the best way to potty train is through a combination of consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Establish a designated potty area in your yard or take your dog to a specific area for potty breaks.
- Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after every meal, playtime, and before bedtime. Praise and reward your dog for going potty in the designated area.
- Take your dog outside immediately when you see these signs like sniffing, circling, or whining.
- Use a consistent command, such as “go potty,” when taking your dog outside.
- Keep removing waste from the potty area. The smell is one thing, but your puppy won’t want to keep going if it’s filled with waste.
- If your dog has an accident inside, do not scold or punish him. Instead, simply interrupt the behavior and take him outside to the designated potty area. Thoroughly clean the area with enzyme spray to ensure there is no residual smell for your puppy to return to.
- Be patient and consistent. Potty training can take time, but with patience and consistency, your dog will learn where to go potty.
Not all puppies will learn at the same rate, but GSP’s being very smart are quick to understand your rules and are often food motivated which helps reinforce the training.
It’s also important to note that puppies are not fully able to control their bladder or bowel until they reach 6 months. So, it’s important to be very consistent and patient in the potty training process with them.
Another thing to be mindful of is the amount of space they have available to them in your home. Limit their free time and space until you can trust that they won’t have accidents outside of your notice.
