Potty Training a Puppy
First off, let’s just start by saying - It ain’t easy when they are itty bitty and extra short. When they are so low to the ground you can’t tell if they are just sitting down or peeing all over your carpet…
Potty training an extra small corgi puppy can be a rewarding but challenging process.
Here are 10 easy steps to help you potty train your little pup:
Create a Designated Potty Area: Choose a specific spot in your yard where you want your pup to do their business. Consistency is key.
Stick to a Schedule: Puppies have small bladders. Take your puppy out to their designated potty area at regular intervals, such as after meals, naps, and playtime.
Use Positive Reinforcement: When your pup successfully goes potty outside, praise them with treats and enthusiastic verbal praise. Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior.
Keep a Close Eye: Supervise your puppy closely when they are indoors. Look for signs that they might need to go, like sniffing or circling.
Use Crate Training: When you can't watch your puppy, put them in a crate that's just big enough to stand up and turn around. Dogs generally won't soil their sleeping area.
Establish a Command: Use a specific command like "Go potty" every time you take your pup outside. This helps them associate the command with the action.
Clean Up Accidents Properly: If your pup has an accident inside, clean it up immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent. Dogs tend to return to places they've soiled.
Be Patient: Potty training takes time, and accidents will happen. Stay patient and consistent with your training.
Monitor Food and Water: Be mindful of your pups food and water intake, especially in the evening. This can help reduce the likelihood of nighttime accidents.
Adjust as Your Puppy Grows: As your puppy gets older and can hold their bladder for longer, adjust the schedule accordingly. Gradually extend the time between potty breaks.
Remember that all puppies are unique, and the time it takes for them to be fully potty trained can vary. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to successfully potty training any pup - including the extra small corgi pups.
Notes:
Since Mila was so small and couldn’t climb up and down the stairs yet, we created a potty patch for her for several months until she was brave enough to master “the outside steppies”.
Mila would wait at the door and we would sometimes not be quick enough, so we ended up getting a string of bells so she could ring it to communicate with us when she needed to “go potty”.
Accidents are bound to happen… and more frequently than we’d like to admit. We defaulted to an enzymatic stain and odor remover called Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover to clean up messes inside the house.
We started off with using poop bags for the yard waste, and eventually graduated to a doggy dooley (more on this in another post).
The affiliate links above will direct you to our most used items, some of which we still have and continue to purchase to this day!