As a dog owner, you must want your pet to form good habits at a very young age. Toilet training should be your first concern as untrained dogs may make a mess.
So how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy? Thankfully, this breed is easy to educate as long as you understand your pet and use the right methods.
We will walk you through the tips to train your puppy. You can also learn more about this breed’s habits. Let’s scroll down to discover!
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How To Potty Train A German Shepherd Puppy?
It’s a good idea to let your pet form good toileting habits when he is still a puppy. Here are the ultimate methods for the training course.
Plan a potty-training routine
It would help if you planned a schedule around your pet’s toileting needs when you start home training them.
Fortunately, their bowels and bladders are simple to predict. You can check their sleeping patterns and diets to determine their toileting habits.
When your pet wakes up in the morning, the first thing to do is take him out to the toilet. Repeat this routine after naps as well.
Your pet must go to the toilet before bedtime too. This tip helps prevent accidents at night or while you are not around.
Take your puppy out to the bathroom every thirty minutes to one hour. If he is new to the training, start by taking him out every half-hour and gradually increase to one hour.
Remember to start a diary of what your dog eats, how often, and when he defecates and urinates. The diary helps you adapt your routine to your pet’s habits.
- Start by planning a routine (Link)
Control their diet
As previously mentioned, drinks and foods are key determinants of when to take your puppy out for toilet breaks, including mealtimes in a puppy’s toileting pattern.
The diet systems of puppies are immature. Hence, each meal stimulates their digestive system more quickly than adult dogs.
Typically, a small German Shepherd urinates after around 15 minutes of eating and poops after 30 minutes of eating.
Because your dog can only handle less food at once, it’s advisable to feed them smaller meals three times a day instead of two larger ones twice a day.
Also, remove the food bowl from your pet’s dining area until the next mealtime. This tip prevents your dog from eating too much.
The food should be of high quality. So, avoid products with preservatives and artificial colors and try to feed him real meat.
Learn tips for choosing the right food for your dog from here:
Be consistent
When toilet training a German Shepherd, limit them to a tiny space such as a crate, a small room, or a lead until you are certain that he can explore the house without accidents.
Additionally, consistency works hand in hand with restriction. It entails introducing your puppies to particular toileting areas, so they know how to gradually go to the bathroom in that part of the house or even outside.
This part of the training may seem challenging to your dog. In this case, ease him via crate training or pad training.
- Be patient and persistent with your pet (Link)
Use puppy pad
A puppy pad is a fantastic way to introduce your German Shepherd to the concept of going to the bathroom in a designated area, but it’s not a long-term strategy.
You don’t want your dog to go to the potty indoors instead of outside. So the objective of this solution is to stop the mess and get your dog familiar with the idea of selecting a place to poop and urinate indoors.
Your dog will eventually link the pad with places where it is acceptable to the toilet. It is a good idea to take the mad outside to change their habit.
If you choose this method, you’ll need a clear spot where you can take your pet whenever he needs to go potty.
Start with more pads than you need. Your dog has poor aim and may choose the spot that he likes rather than go for the one you pick.
Remove the pads after a few weeks until there are just two pads in the main spot they like to go.
Another thing to bear in mind is to keep your pet’s drink and food away from the pads. He doesn’t like to eat near his toilet.
Use a crate
Crate training is an effective method to train your pet for toileting. It minimizes messes, allows you to check out for indicators that he wants to go, and, most importantly, teaches your dog to hold it until they can use the restroom.
The crate must be big enough for the dog to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in, but not so big that they can defecate and urinate in it.
Do not force your dog into his crate! Instead, allow him to explore when you introduce the crate at his own pace.
Make the crate a fun and friendly place to visit by putting your dog’s favorite toys there. The toys must not tear over time, and you should supervise during their playtime.
- The crate should be at the right size (Link)
Use simple phrases
One of the most critical parts of toilet training your dog is to choose a phrase that he can associate with.
You would tell your dog to “go pee” as soon as you take him outside or to his pad. He’d learn to associate the phrase and place with the action this way.
When you use this method long enough, your puppy can instinctively know what they must do anytime you say the key phrase “go pee.”
Reward
When your puppy has finished his poop or pee in the correct spot, reward him with praise or positive reinforcement.
You can establish a pattern of accomplishment by rewarding excellent behavior, leading to much faster house training.
Your little dog doesn’t want anything more than your love for him. If he does something right, clap for him, hug him, and kiss him so that he will continue his good habits.
Rewarding food is also a great idea. Give your pet what he loves right after praising him for his accomplishment.
- Reward if your pet does the right thing (Link)
Never scold them
Accidents may happen frequently, and while this problem can be frustrating, never scold your puppy.
Do not say bad words and react aggressively because your reaction can cause worry and panic. Your pet may even poop or pee more than they would.
When Should You Start Potty Training Your German Shepherd Puppy?
Starting teaching your puppy about toileting between 12 and 16 weeks is the best. Your dog is now young enough to develop skills and mold his behaviors.
Your dog should have adequate bowel and bladder control at this age to retain it when needed, making toilet training simpler for them and tidier for you.
- Train your pet when he is still small (Link)
How Often Should You Take Out Your Puppy to Potty?
It’s necessary to take an 8-week-old German Shepherd out every two hours. Add one hour for every month your puppy grows.
A 12-week-old puppy, for example, has to go outside every three hours. A 16-week-old one, on the other hand, needs to go potty every four hours to relieve himself.
Here’s a chart to keep you on track to avoid mistakes at home.
| Age | Frequency of going potty |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks old | Every 2 hours |
| 10 weeks old | Every 2.5 hours |
| 12 weeks old | Every 3 hours |
| 14 weeks old | Every 3.5 hours |
| 16 weeks old | Every 4 hours |
What Affects A German Shepherd Puppy Potty Habits?
Check out these factors that will influence your pet’s elimination, including:
- Feeding routine
- Playtime and exercise
- Timetable for sleep
The potty training depends on you as an owner as well. Consider when you stay home, when you’re out, and what time you wake up.
Also, base the schedule on your personal preferences and obligations. Adjust the timetable until it suits your needs.
If you’re working outside, put your puppy in a safe place with clean pads or in a crate and ask a dog walker to drop by while you’re absent.
Conclusion
To give your puppy appropriate potty training, start by planning a suitable timetable. Also, try to be persistent, patient, and kind with your dog.
It would be nice to train your puppy when he is still young. Remember to reward him when he does the right thing.
Hopefully, you have a great time teaching your pet. For any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
