How to Potty Train a Beagle Puppy

Your beagle puppy has poor bladder control and will need to empty his bladder immediately he wakes, shortly after eating, and every hour or so in between. When you understand the puppy's limitations you can use this in your favor to increase the likelihood of the puppy peeing or pooping in the right place. In turn, this means you are there to praise the puppy and build the idea that toileting in the right place is a super-easy way to earn a reward.

When you praise the pup for toileting in the right place, the penny drops in his mind that this is an easy way to get good attention. This makes him want to toilet in the allocated toilet spot in order to please you. As his bladder control improves this means he learns to hold on, in order to 'spend' his pee for a treat. However, it is important you stay with the puppy when he's outside, so that you are there at the right time to praise him.

There are predictable times when the puppy is more likely to pee. Be aware of these and take him outside, so that he toilets in the right spot rather than indoors. These times are immediately he wakes, after a meal, during vigorous play, and approximately once an hour. Be sure to pop puppy outside before each of these 'high risk' times. If he pees, praise and reward him. If he doesn't go, take him back indoors and watch him like a hawk. At the first sign of sniffing to select a likely spot, whisk him straight back outdoors.

The fewer times the puppy pees indoors, the faster he learns about toilet training. With this in mind, get into a routine of taking the puppy to the toilet spot. When the puppy is awake, set an alarm on your phone for every 20 - 30 minutes and take the puppy outside. Keep him on a collar and leash so he can't wander off and play. If he toilets, give praise and a treat, if he doesn't bring him back inside, watch him closely, and take him out again 20 - 30 minutes later.

Use a non-ammonia based cleaning product to thoroughly deodorize any spots where the puppy toilets indoors. This is because any lingering urine odor will label the area as a doggy toilet and draw him back to it.

Consider crate training your beagle. A crate becomes the pup's safe place, his den. When you choose the right sized crate, the pup feels inhibited about soiling it and will hold on rather than wet his bed. Use this at night or at times during the day when you can't be there to supervise at all times.

It's important to use rewards rather than punishment in order to potty train your beagle pup. Reward based training methods work on the principle that when the puppy does something correctly he gets a treat. This sets him thinking about why he got the reward, and repeating that behavior in order to get another treat. Then you can start adding in a cue word, so that the pup understands which action you require at that time.

As described in the 'Work with Nature' method, take your beagle outside to the toilet spot regularly, especially at certain key times. At first the puppy will squat purely out of coincidence, because he needs to go and he happens to be in the correct place. However, take full advantage of this by praising him in an excited voice, and then offering a treat afterwards.

After he toilets, the puppy will start to look at you expectantly in anticipation of a treat. Once he does this, start adding in a cue word. Next time, as he starts to sniff and find the perfect spot, say your cue word such as "Get busy,", "Empty," or "Toilet". Let the puppy relieve himself, praise and treat him. Do this each time the puppy toilets.

Once puppy realizes he's meant to go outside to toilet, he will start approaching the nearest exit and whimpering or scratching at the door. Be sure to respond to this immediately and let puppy out. This is a key step to establishing appropriate toileting habits.

Eventually, with consistent practice you will be able to say the cue word and put toileting on command. This is invaluable on a wet day when you don't want to be hanging around outside getting soaked while the dog decides if emptying his bladder is worth the bother. It's also useful when you are on a short break from work and only have a small window of opportunity to offer the dog a comfort break.

Never punish a puppy for an indoor accident. He is unable to make the mental jump between soiling in the wrong place and being punished, so to punish him is unfair and confusing for the dog. The most likely result is that he'll become fearful of you and may even think you dislike his bodily functions and feel it necessary to hide them from you.

It is a common mistake, to let the puppy out and then leave him to it. The chances are he'll get distracted and go off and play. Then when you call him back in, he still needs to go and relieves himself indoors. Instead, when you supervise him you are there to focus his mind and praise him for the happy event.

A puppy has a limited bladder capacity and will need a comfort break during the night. A rule of thumb is a puppy can hold on for the equivalent number of hours, as his age in months plus one. Hence, an 8 week puppy can hold on for 3 hours, while a 12 week old can hold on 4 hours. Set an alarm and let him out.

Do use a cue word that is unlike anything else you say. For example, if you say "Good boy," then the dog may mistakenly think he's expected to pee each time you say he's a good boy. Instead, pick specific uses such as "Toilet" or "Get busy".

If you are struggling with a puppy that has regular accidents and you aren't making progress, then check in with a vet. There may be a medical reason, such as a urinary infection, or an anatomical cause for his poor training, which needs to be addressed.