Are you sitting down typing, “Why puppy plays outside instead going potty?”
This happens a lot especially with younger dogs that are still adjusting to the process. Potty training isn’t easy and dogs can sometimes get lost playing without realizing it’s also important to relieve themselves.
Over time, they will pick up on cues, but until then a dog can start to play with a variety of things in the yard.
The dog can play with:
- Plants
- Dog Toys
- Furniture/Accessories
- Wild Animals
It’s important to understand what is going on and what you can do about it as a dog owner. Controlling it right now is going to yield better results than waiting.
This guide will take a look at some of the reasons why puppy plays outside instead going potty and what you can do about it moving forward.
Table of Contents
Best Potty Training Mat for Outdoors (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- DOG GRASS PAD WITH TRAY - This artificial turf dog pee pad provides a sanitary place for your pet to relieve themselves...
- EASY PUPPY TRAINING - Potty training your new best friend just got easier, even if you live in an apartment or work long...
- THREE-LAYER SYSTEM - The artificial pet grass pee pad sits on top of a secure plastic drainage insert that allows liquid to...
Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The PETMAKER Potty Training Mat for Dogs is an exceptional product since it works indoors and outdoors in training a puppy. Made of artificial grass, this sizable potty training mat can be set up as a way for the dog to know when to relieve itself.
The mat comes with a three-layer system making it easy to clean up after the dog takes care of its business. It’s a wonderful starting point to get the dog used to going potty outdoors regularly without needing to be watched.
Since it comes in various sizes, there is a good fit for all types of dogs here.
Why Puppy Plays Outside Instead Going Potty
Puppies will often get distracted by new sights, sounds, and scents around them. Since everything is new to them, puppies find it hard to ignore these things outdoors and will start playing around instead. This can get in the way of their potty training.
It’s important to understand puppies are still developing and will take a bit of time to get used to certain scents, sights, and sounds.
This is normal and it’s something most dog owners will go through at one point or another.
In some cases, puppies will also start doing other things when there are dog toys readily available for them to play with. For example, a tennis ball lying around is going to cause the puppy to stop and take a proper look.
They may even forget to go potty and will instead keep playing until they get tired.
This is why dog owners have to be careful about what the puppy is doing outside at such a young age. The same goes for taking your puppy for a walk.
Tips To Use When Puppy Plays Outside Instead Going Potty
Tip #1 – Use a Potty Training Mat Outdoors
The best and most effective way to handle this problem is to use a potty training mat for dogs.
The idea behind using this solution is to make it easier for the puppy to walk over to the training mat. They will know what has to be done and where to go. Plus, it will make the cleaning process easier, which is never a bad thing.
A lot of people worry about where their dog is going potty training, but a good potty training mat does help.
The best part is, you can also use this type of training mat indoors as well. It’s a versatile solution that offers artificial grass for the dog to poo on.
The benefits include:
- Faster Learning Curve
- Helps the Dog Focus
- Comforts the Dog
A lot of dog owners worry about the solutions they’re using and may get tired of waiting around. By keeping the dog used to relieving itself on the mat, they are eventually going to pick up on patterns and seek out this mat.
During their earlier years, you will want to have this type of training mat ready to go around the house.
Remember, puppies and their minds will always be all over the place. They are excited and have a lot of energy to waste.
This can get in the way of relieving themselves, which is why using a potty training mat is smart.
Tip #2 – Restrict the Outdoor Area
The area in which the dog has to go potty will matter.
Imagine sending your dog into a large yard and then expecting them to behave. This is tough with older dogs let alone puppies that are curious to see what’s happening around them.
To avoid this type of problem, it makes sense to restrict where the puppy can go when they are outside. A simple enclosure will be a good starting point. The puppy won’t be able to hop over this little enclosure and will eventually relieve itself.
When combined with a good potty training mat, this is one of the best ways to curb your puppy’s enthusiasm a bit.
Yes, they are still going to be running around and playing, but it is going to control how much they are doing and how much time it wastes. This is an essential detail to think about when it comes to keeping the puppy focused.
In general, you can get away with a small enclosure for this task. Puppies aren’t large and won’t need a lot of space to relieve themselves.
Tip #3 – Time the Dog’s Schedule
Do you know when the puppy is going to relieve itself during the day?
In the first few weeks, there is going to be aa learning curve and that’s natural. Both the puppy and you have to get used to the schedule and that is going to vary from situation to situation.
The goal is to start tracking when the dog wants to relieve itself, especially if there are “accidents” around the house. By doing this, you are going to start proactively letting the dog outside right before it needs to relieve itself.
Timing a dog’s schedule is imperative and it’s something all dog owners should do.
The benefits include:
- Improved Results
- Reduced Play Time Outdoors
- Easier to Understand Dog’s Internal Clock
After a while, your puppy is going to get used to the schedule and that is going to make things like clockwork. You will also get used to letting the dog out into the yard at a certain time during the day.
The simplicity of this is why many dog owners will take their dogs for long walks at certain times every day.
Routine is a great way to potty train dogs and will also make it easier on you. It’s a win-win and the way you should approach potty training a puppy.
Final Thoughts
These are the reasons why puppy plays outside instead going potty.
It is tough for puppies to learn in the early days and that’s okay. This is always going to be the case and the goal has to remain to tough it out right now. With the right approach, you are going to notice a serious change in how things are done.
With the implementation of a good potty training mat such as the one mentioned above, you are going to start seeing a change in how quickly the dog relieves itself.
Continue to implement the tips listed here and focus on working with the puppy to improve is behavior.
To learn more about what you can do for puppies, here are a few articles to dig through – can a puppy nap in a crate?, strategy for disciplining a puppy, how to potty train a puppy, using puppy diapers.