Tips To Help With Potty Training Your Dog

Oct
24
2011

All dogs, just like children, may be different but they all go through the same basic phases in life. One of the more difficult phases in both dogs and kids, might well be the potty training stage. It must be done and it will take some time. Potty training does not happen overnight. If you want any success at all with your puppy, You will to need to take him out often.

When you first get your puppy or new dog, you want to get in the habit of taking them outside as much as possible. This will help them learn that outside is where they go to the bathroom. Instead of just going inside, they will quickly realize where the appropriate place to go to the bathroom is.

Although we all wish our puppies could hold it for an eight hour period, the fact of the matter is they cannot. It is up to you to keep an eye on your puppy as all it takes is a few seconds for them to do their business. By watching any warning signs or hints that they may need to go outside, you will be able to stop them before they go.

It is important you do not vary their diet while potty training your dog. This will create a change in their system which will ultimately fluctuate their bathroom cycle. Maintaining a consistent diet will help them get used to the food they are eating allowing their stomach to properly digest the food.

Although every parent wants to give their little puppy treats for being cute, make sure you are only giving them treats for going into the crate. Too many treats will mess with their diet as well. For this reason, keep your treat-giving to a minimum.

Something that many people do not do is associate their dog with the words “go outside!” It is imperative you take your dog on walks to give them more exercise. Every time you are going to take them for a walk, you want to ask them if they want to go outside. In addition, learn to say this every time you let them out to go to the bathroom. This will help them realize it is time to go to the bathroom.

On the other hand, if they do have an “accident” inside, you should treat them to negative reinforcement. This can be done humanely by, not talking to them, pinching their ear a loud noise such as a clap, or my favorite, a water spray with a spritzer. They will in turn associate this negative behavior with their “accident”.

A true accident is no one’s fault but our own, if their diet was changed or were not let out in time, or were frightened by something, you can hardly blame the dog. Use your common sense, a few small, healthy treats and lots of love and you’ll have your puppy trained in no time.

If your dog’s behavior persists or get worse, you might want to call in the top guns. Check out other in-depth training practices that will teach you much more than the basics covered here.

Alex is a freelance graphic designer & marketing pro with a love of writing and pets. She has a long and special history with pets and has studied what works and what doesn’t when teaching them. If you enjoyed these tips, go to her website Henri’s Online Dog Obedience School or visit her blog Henri’s Pet Tips, Tips & Trivia.