<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, here at Zigzag we aim to help all dog owners, not just ones who have the chance to live in houses with yards to be used as doggy pottys. In this article, we\u2019re here to help you potty train a puppy in a apartment, and provide you with some life-saving tips along the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to potty train a puppy in an apartment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extra tips on potty training a puppy in an apartment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Things to avoid when you\u2019re potty training a puppy in an apartment\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Our best buys to help with puppy potty training in an apartment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve got plenty more info on potty training a puppy in an apartment inside the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a>. You\u2019ll want to download a free trial to get into the groove of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to potty train a puppy in an apartment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Potty training a puppy in an apartment, is actually, surprisingly similar to how potty training with a yard works. It\u2019s all about designating a bathroom area for your puppy, getting them into a routine, and piling on the praise and rewards when they do the right thing. Now – there can be a few challenges along the way, but we\u2019re here to help with that further down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Designate a potty area for your puppy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your puppy needs a place to go to the bathroom, don\u2019t they? This might be in several places depending on your apartment setup. It might be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Your roof terrace<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your balcony<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your bathroom<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The corner of your lounge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Wherever it is, the area needs to be easily cleanable. Think about putting down a waterproof membrane if you have carpets\/wood or have the potty area on tiled floors. You\u2019ll thank us later.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose a puppy potty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some people like to use puppy pads or newspaper, some people prefer fake grass, and others are happy for their puppy to pee onto the concrete and rinse it off. You can also look at building a dirt box or putting some turf inside a tray to use as a puppy bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIn need of more suggestions? Why not try our app! <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a good idea to check with the breeder if your puppy has been using a particular surface for the bathrrom – they\u2019ll feel more comfortable going to the bathroom at yours if they have the same surface to go on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"yorkshire](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/crystal-huff-bakhKHWU9hQ-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\")
Photo by Crystal Huff<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Get your puppy into a routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puppies thrive on routines<\/a>. Giving them predictability over what in their life comes next and what\u2019s expected of them makes them feel safe and secure. It also helps toilet training go faster! Mealtimes, nap times, potty times, and play times will all help to add structure to you and your puppy\u2019s day. Routines can really help us out when we\u2019re feeling the pressure of raising a young puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take your puppy to the bathroom often and reward them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It sounds obvious, but your puppy will need to be literally shown where the toilet is at first. Make it part of the house tour. They\u2019ll also need to be taken there every time they\u2019ve been: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Sleeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Playing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Training <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When they\u2019re young puppies, they\u2019ll need to be taken around once an hour too. Might sound like it\u2019s too much for some, but this also means they\u2019ll have fewer accidents and more chances to be rewarded for going in the right spot\u2026which means they\u2019ll learn where the toilet is faster. It\u2019s a vicious circle in the most positive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have a potty on your balcony or terrace, you might want to read up on bell training your puppy<\/a> too. Our article here will show you the ropes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Useful tips for potty training your puppy in apartments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose an area away from their bed for your puppy\u2019s potty area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puppies don\u2019t poop where they sleep\u2026just like anyone else for that matter. If you have a puppy potty in your puppy\u2019s playpen, make sure it\u2019s away from their bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roll up your rugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Puppies often like to pee on things that feel soft on their feet, so rugs and carpets bear the brunt of accidents\u2026 and of course, they\u2019re the worst to clean! If you can roll up rugs until you\u2019re past the initial potty training days, it will save you some bad moods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"fluffy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/max-harlynking-C3rOK9xbnkE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Max Harlynking<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Have a pee party when they get it right<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A \u2018pee party\u2019 will do the trick for getting your puppy to go to the bathroom in the right area. Shower them with praise, kisses, and cuddles every time they do a doo-doo where they\u2019re supposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Things to avoid when potty training your puppy in a home without a yard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Never punish your puppy for accidents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your puppy makes mistakes, it\u2019s usually us that\u2019s at fault. Yep, it\u2019s the truth. It means we weren\u2019t quick enough to take them out or didn\u2019t spot the signs early enough. Be careful about telling them off though – terrible idea. It can ruin the bond between you and make them worried about going to the bathroom in front of you in the future. It also sets the potty training back, so let\u2019s avoid it at all costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be consistent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consistency is key. Keep the bathroom area in the same place and always take your puppy to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity for praise. They might take a while to go, but trust us, they do need to. Just bear with them there until they\u2019ve managed to squeeze out something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use proper enzyme-based cleaner for accidents, not bleach!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve listed our favorites in the next paragraph, but you can also use bio-washing powder, white vinegar, or bicarbonate of soda if you\u2019d rather use natural products. What you want is to use a product that will break down the proteins in your puppy\u2019s urine. This stuff is what gives it the attractive smell that puppies will keep coming back to\u2026it\u2019s useful when it is in your puppy\u2019s potty area, not when it\u2019s on your new carpets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Puppy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/daniel-maas-RR-FwGB6PEU-unsplash-1-1024x685.jpg\")
Photo by Dani\u00ebl Maas<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Handy puppy supplies for potty training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you think about how to potty train a puppy in an apartment, there is a whole range of products available to help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fake Grass Indoor Potty: <\/strong>Most of the fake grass indoor <\/a>potties<\/a><\/span>\u00a0are quite similar and usually feature a fake grass top, then a drawer that collects the pee underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppy Pads: <\/strong>Puppy pads work for some people, and not for others, Some puppies like to chew them up! For washable ones, we rate the Simple Solution washable mats<\/a>, whereas for disposables check out Pogis training pads<\/a>. We talked about them in our 5 best puppy training pads <\/a>article too if you want to take a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enzyme Cleaners: <\/strong>Enzyme cleaners are a must for any potty-related accidents. Our favorites are Simple Solution<\/a>, Wee Away<\/a> and Urine Off<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protective Mats: <\/strong>To protect floors when potty training your puppy in a apartment it\u2019s worth investing in a mat that their potty can sit on or line their playpen<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treats: <\/strong>Don\u2019t forget to treat! In the end, it\u2019s what does the trick. These Thrive liver treats<\/a> always go down well with puppies, and are in a handy tube so you can have a few stashed around to be ready at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n