Tips For Potty Training Your Dog

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Potty training your dog isn't a complex thing, but it does require some knowledge, a lot of patience and above all consistency. Getting your dog off on the right paw with house training is probably the best thing you can do to start a great relationship with your dog pal. Having said that, many new pet owners seem to get confused about the process. If you are confused, then your dog is going to be confused also.

Potty Training Your Dog - Areas of Confusion

A major area of confusion is how long it will take to house train your dog. Friends may tell you of their experience, but the learning curve for one dog won't necessarily be the same for another. You've heard the expression "different strokes for different folks" - well the same holds true for different dogs. Factors such as type of dog breed, puppy or adult, where the dog started out etc., will affect the training.

So, don't blame the dog if he isn't trained in a certain amount of time, he may be confused by the method or just needs more time. It's far better to stick it out than have a "set" time frame in mind for gauging success or failure.

Paper-training, specifically designed indoor dog potty systems, or outdoor training?

Eliminate confusion for "your dog" by picking one method and staying with until your pet is trained. This article discusses the outdoor option, but can be used in conjunction with indoor potty training.

Rub your dog's nose in it advice? In a word, never!

Amount of time to leave your dog in a crate. You've got to be logical about this. Too long in a crate is just asking for trouble and sabotages potty training a dog.

Bottom line, once you've committed to having a dog in your life, you owe it to the dog to house train him no matter how long it takes.

Potty Training Your Dog - Basic Stuff

• It's a round-the-clock job for a while.
• Set up a feeding schedule so that his elimination can be more predictable.
• Don't leave food and water out all the time or you'll never know when your dog has to go.
• Buy a crate - preferably one that can be adjusted as your dog grows.
• Be consistent, be consistent, be consistent. Sorry about that, but it's the most important point.
• Train in only one area of the house where you are close by - they like to be near you.
• Lock the doggie door if you have one - too confusing while training.
• Don't let your dog see you clean up any accidents. No, he won't think you're the maid, but he will think going in the house is OK!
• Don't play with your dog right after eating unless you want another kind of problem!!

Dog Potty Training Tips You Can Use

The following tips are guidelines that you can apply to a puppy
or an older dog.

• Pick a place outside for your dog to go potty and take him to this place until he makes the connection with his doing his business there.
• Take your dog out first thing in the morning, about 15-20 minutes after each meal, and before going to bed - minimum.
• Keep track of the time he usually goes potty after meals so that you can predict it more accurately.
• Use the same words for going out so that he will gradually associate these words with the reason for going out.
• When you are potting training your dog, observe his behavior patterns when he needs to eliminate. Once you can recognize these patterns, you can let him out and nip those accidents in the bud!
• Don't forget to praise your dog when he gets the job done.
• Don't scold when he has an accident unless you catch him in the act. If you are quick enough, you might even be able to rush him outside to finish the job.
• Let your dog get comfortable with napping in a crate with the door open. Use the crate, door closed, for short periods of time when you can't watch your dog or if a recent potty trip outside was unsuccessful. After a brief time inside the crate, your dog may now be more ready for a second trip outside.
  
  You can also use the crate overnight, but don't ever use the crate as punishment.

Potty Training Your Dog...In conclusion

While you are in the process of potty training your dog, try to observe and learn your dog's patterns. Many dogs will want to relieve themselves after playing, after a nap, or if they dog have been preoccupied chewing on a toy for some time.

In the early days of potty training your dog, give him ample opportunities for trips outside. That might mean getting up at night for a while. Remember, a young dog will not have complete control of his bladder until he is more mature. So don't be too hard on him, just keep repeating the process and he will catch on. Take heart, it's nothing compared to how long it took to train your kids!

Dogs really want to please us, they just need time to learn what's expected. You are the most important part of the process - you are his leader. A few weeks or months are well worth the effort when you consider the many years of companionship ahead of you. And, think how proud you will be when he graduates from potty training school.



Dog Urine Removal Tips - for those inevitable accidents!

Dealing With "Lawn" Care And Dog Urine Damage


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