No matter what kind of a dog you have, one of the most difficult tasks you will be faced with is potty training your dog. As with kids, it takes time to potty train your dog and help them learn where the appropriate place to go to the bathroom is. If you are going to have any luck at all, you have to start by taking them out frequently.
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.
Keep your treat giving to a minimum. I know that’s near impossible to do with a cute new puppy, but treats will mess up their diets even more. Give them a small, healthy treat after they have a triumphant potty session, this will reinforce their notion that going in a specific area is a good thing.
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”.
Sometimes accidents do happen. If they made a “mistake” due to a change in diet, not being let out in time or perhaps were frightened by something, you can’t really blame them. Common sense, healthy rewards and love will have your puppy potty trained before you know it.
If you find that these simple exercises are not helping you with potty training your pup, you might want to check out other in-depth training practices that will teach you much more than the basics covered here.
