Being a pet parent is a big responsibility because apart from ensuring that your dog has enough food and shelter over his head, you also need to make them feel cared for and loved. This entails the need for you to spend time with your dog, not only to have fun but to train him as well, including potty training. This article lists down some useful tips in potty training your dog.
Teach a Potty Cue
One of the primary things that you can do to potty train your dog is to teach him a potty cue. For instance, you can have your pup sit at the back of the door. When your pup barks, then open the door and let him out. Otherwise, you can also try to use a bell such that when your dog rings the bell, you will open the door and take him outside.
However, for this strategy to work, you need to ensure that the cue is only for potty and not for other activities such as playing outside. If you let your dog play outside for too much when you let him out, then your dog may confuse the cue as a sign to play and spend time outdoors instead of doing his business.
Designate a Potty Area
Another technique that proves to be effective in potty training your dog is to designate a potty area where he can do his business. In this case, what you can do is to put your pup on a leash and walk them out to the part of your yard where they can pee or poop. When you reach the designated area, stop and wait for your dog to relieve himself.
Make sure to reward him or treat him after a successful potty. You can also consider giving him verbal praise to make his potty experience a positive one. In case your dog doesn’t go after you show him the designated potty area, take him back inside the house and repeat this until your dog catches on.
Use a Crate or a Pad
When you are not home, it will help to use a crate because there will be no one to let your dog out. This is where you should confine your pet to help limit accidents in the bedroom or living room, or any other part of your home. This is also one of the viable means to potty train your dog indoors. Just keep in mind that before you begin crate potty training, you need to acquire the right crate size for your dog. As much as possible, your dog should be comfortable standing up, turning around, and lying down in the crate. There are even some crates that come with a divider, allowing you to adjust the size of the crate as your dog gets bigger.
There is also the option for you to try and use a pee pad to cover your floor and potty train your dog indoors. Just make sure that you change the puppy pads that you use often but place a small piece of the soiled pad on top of a clean one because the scent will remind your dog that this is the area where he should relieve himself. As much as possible, you should also remove the pads closest to the bed of your pet and continue doing so until there is only a couple of sheets left.
Create a Schedule
Dogs love routine, which is why you should also create a potty training schedule for your dog. When setting up a potty training schedule, you need to monitor your pup closely but with the very young ones, you may need to take them out first thing in the morning. This is also the last thing that you should do at night before everyone heads to bed.
You can also consider a potty training schedule after your dog plays indoors or after they spend time in their crate. Another good schedule for potty is also when your dog wakes up from his nap or after they chew a toy or a bone. Otherwise, you can decide to take them out after eating or drinking. This may entail the need for you to repeat taking your dog out a dozen times in 24 hours but when your dog gets used to the schedule, your effort will be worth it.
Give your Dog Proper Attention
In potty training your dog, you need to give him proper attention because it is in his behavior where you will have clues that he needs to go relieve himself. As much as possible, you should never leave your puppy unattended because you will most likely miss out on an important training lesson when your dog already had an accident. Just keep in mind that every pup is different, such that some puppies may be able to hold it longer than others.
Control your Dog’s Diet
There is also the option for you to control your dog’s diet, particularly because puppies still have an immature digestive system. This means that they can’t handle a lot of food just yet. Overfeeding your dog can provoke diarrhea, which can make potty training all the more difficult.
Be Generous with Praises
Finally, make sure that you are generous with the praises that you give your dog whenever they accomplish something that he is expected to do, such as relieving himself in the designated area. Always remember that praising your dog for doing the right thing is the key to the best relationship that you can have with your furry friend.
When it comes to potty training your dog, you can start with teaching him a potty cue. In parallel to this, you should also designate a potty area, using a crate or a pad as necessary. It will also help to create a schedule for your dog but the key is in giving him the proper attention. There is also the option for you to control your dog’s diet but always remember to praise your dog for every accomplishment he achieves.