One of the most crucial parts of owning a dog is potty training. You can train your dog to use the potty outside and prevent accidents inside the home by being patient, consistent, and using positive reinforcement. Here are some pointers for potty training your dog:
1 Establish a routine
Dogs enjoy regularity, so establish a regular feeding plan for them and take them outside to relieve themselves at fixed intervals throughout the day. Prior to going to bed at night, schedule time to walk your dog in the morning and after meals.
2 Choose a designated potty area
Every time your dog needs to go potty outdoors, take them to the same location. This will help them connect that space with using the potty. Ensure the location is far from any busy streets or playgrounds for kids.
3 Use a command:
Choose a specific command, such as “go potty” or “do your business,” to use each time you take your dog outside. Repeat the command consistently, and praise your dog when they potty in the designated area.
4 Supervise your dog
Keep an eye on your dog at all times when they’re inside the house, and watch for signs that they need to go potty, such as sniffing or circling. If you notice these signs, take your dog outside immediately.
5 Use positive reinforcement
Every time your dog relieves themselves outdoors, praise and reward them. Rewards, toys, and verbal praise are all powerful tools for motivating appropriate behaviour. Be sure to praise your dog right away after they use the potty so they learn to correlate the action with the praise.
6 Be patient
Potty training requires persistence and time. Your dog is likely to have accidents, especially at the beginning of training. Punishing your dog for mishaps will just make them nervous and perplexed. Instead, quickly wipe up accidents and get on with your training schedule.
7 Consider crate training
Crate training can be an effective way to potty train your dog. Dogs are less likely to go potty in their crate, so use this to your advantage by taking your dog outside immediately after you let them out of the crate.
8 Keep a schedule
Your dog will learn when it’s time to go pee if you keep a timetable. Have a schedule for taking your dog outdoors at the same times each day, and stick to it.
Keep in mind that potty training is a process, and that it may take your dog several weeks or even months to become completely trained. Your dog will ultimately learn to relieve themselves outside if you are patient and persistent with your daily routine. Another important training for your dog is crate training, read out how to crate train your dog here.
