Potty Training a Golden Retriever: What You Need to Know
You want to make sure that you are potty training your pup at a time when they will be most receptive. This is usually between the ages of 11-14 weeks old.
Choose a spot: You need to find an area in your house where there is enough room for them to go outside, but close enough so someone can watch over them. This will be their designated potty area, or place to go when they need to do their business.
Reward your pup: You want them to know that you are happy with how well they did by giving them a treat after going in the right spot. It is important not to give treats all of the time though so it does not deter them from going to their designated spot.
Teach your pup: They will likely be timid and not know how to go outside yet, so you need to teach them how with a lot of patience. Make sure that they are watching what you do before taking them out for the first time because sometimes it can take some time until they learn how to go outside.
Wait: You cannot take them out too frequently because they will not learn how to potty train and may come back in the house to do their business if you are taking them out every time they need it. Make sure that when you bring them inside, you have a designated area for where your pup should go so there is a routine.
Socializing your dog from an early age will allow them to be less likely afraid of new things. If the dog is afraid to go outside on their own in the beginning be sure to go with them. Building a potty break routine from an early age will be the most important part to breaking the habit of them doing their business inside your home.
Encourage them to go outside when they need to go and make sure that you are nearby in case they have an accident inside. If you can catch them in the middle of going inside and take them outside to finish this will help them learn faster that they must try to make it outside and not inside.
Reward your golden retriever when they do go outside. You can reward them with treats, playtime, or even a new toy! Puppies and especially golden retrievers respond very well to praise, so be sure to give it to them when they make it outside!
When it comes to potty training patience and consistency is key. There are going to be accidents in the beginning. This is part of owning a new puppy. The more time and consistency you can dedicate to your golden retriever the faster they will be able to be house broken and going outside in their designated area! Lastly, remember to have fun with your puppy! They can pick up on your energy if you are demonstrating being tense or anxious this will affect them as well. So be sure to remind yourself that the puppy stage won’t last forever and with some patience you can make it an enjoyable experience for the owner and pup!