Our Best Advice for Potty Training a Puppy at Your Apartment

Potty training a puppy is a difficult undertaking no matter where you live. Trying to time everything, especially when you work out of the home, can lead to a lot of messes, tears, and frustration with your new furry friend, even when you - and they - are trying their best.

It's important to remember that your new puppy isn't going to realize right away that going to the bathroom inside or outside of designated areas is a bad thing. That's why you need to take the time to treat your puppy carefully, realize that they aren't going to be perfect right at the beginning, and take the time to really help them understand what they should do. Dogs are smart! They'll catch on in no time.

1.) Have a trusted dog sitter.

The first thing that you should do is realize that you'll need to establish somewhere for them to go when you're gone. This can be crate training with potty pads, or a little walled off area with baby gates to keep them contained while you're gone. That way, when you're at work or have to leave for a few hours, they won't make a mess all over your apartment should they have an accident.

Remember that dogs aren't going to understand why you're angry at them, so don't rub their noses in the mess. Accidents happen! Puppies are babies, and they're still learning what they need to do to help keep your apartment clean and pet-smell free.

2.) Puppy potty training.

Something else that's important is being able to establish alternate places for them to use the bathroom. Living in an apartment can make it difficult to get your puppy downstairs in time for them to be able to use the bathroom outside, and that's okay! It doesn't have to be something to be upset about.

Nowadays, there are some really awesome innovations to make your life as a dog owner a little easier. For example, litter boxes are no longer just for cats! There are high-tech litter boxes now made for dogs that can even cater to male dogs that lift their leg when they go to the bathroom. Another alternative is creating a little "grass patch" of astroturf with potty pads underneath for your balcony. It isn't a perfect solution, and will need to be cleaned, but it helps to remind your dog that going to the bathroom is best done outside on grass, even when you aren't able to get them there yourself at all times.

AE Lofts

If you're looking into one of our Saint Joe apartments and you have a dog, then you're in luck. We're fortunate to be able to offer our residents an on-site fenced in dog park and dog spa, so you'll never have to go far in order to make sure that your furry best friend makes it outside on time. This makes it easy for you to potty train your dog, knowing that all it takes to get him outside is a run downstairs!

If you're interested in making our pet-friendly Saint Joe apartments your new home, then contact us today!

American Electric Lofts is committed to transparency, simplicity, and honesty in renting loft apartments in St Joseph MO.