#18 Pet Care Series: Potty Training Your Pup

There is no such thing as a dog that is partially potty trained. They're either trained or they're not. Maybe they had an accident because they were denied the opportunity to go outside over a long period of time and couldn't hold it anymore. Your dog is potty trained. Maybe they go outside, but use the bathroom inside when you leave the room. Your dog is not potty trained.

The good news is, any dog can be perfectly potty trained if there isn't a medical condition preventing them from being so! It doesn't matter the age of the dog or the habits that have already been established. Some may take longer than others to get it. Some may need a few additional training tricks. It's okay! There is no such thing as a dog that can't be trained.

Basic Training Tips:

Tip 1: Know your dog and train them accordingly. How many times a day does your dog use the bathroom? What time of day does this happen? How long after they eat do they need to do their business? How long after they play? Knowing your dog's natural schedule will help you create one that works. Create a consistent training schedule based on that information, and make sure you stick to it. Dogs learn very well with consistency, and creating a habit will create trust. Your dog will be less likely to go when you're not there because they know what time you're going to return to let them out! Puppies or other dogs that can't hold their business all day while at work may need a dog walker/sitter, a doggy day camp, or a sheltered safe space with a potty area while you are gone. Do not create impossible expectations for your canine friend! It will frustrate you both and confuse your dog.

Tip 2: Reinforcement! When you witness your pup use the bathroom where you want them to, celebrate! Throw a puppy party. If you're having a difficult time with potty training, use a treat that they only get for pottying in their designated potty spot. If your dog isn't very food motivated, use a special toy. Anything that your puppy absolutely loves can be a reward. What does your puppy really want? After the training becomes habit for your puppy, these rewards can be weeded out, only offered randomly until you don't need them at all (though puppy parties are always fun to throw!). Have you gone a week with no accidents? Only offer a reward 75% of the time. Another week with no accidents? 50% of the time. Another week? 25%. Another week? Hooray you made it! If your dog does have an accident, go back a step. It's okay. Your dog will get there at their own pace. Patience is king!

Tip 3: Punishment. Never punish your dog for using the bathroom indoors. It's not their fault. They're not doing it to spite you, to claim dominance, because they're angry, or for any kind of revenge. I promise. They did it because they had to go. They chose your bed because it smells like you and that's soothing. Or because it's soft or easy to bury. There are many reasons for a dog to go indoors and many reasons for them to choose places that may feel like a personal attack. It's not their fault. It's not a personal attack. They will not understand what you are punishing them for. Maybe they'll think you don't want to see their poop, so they'll hide it better. Maybe they'll think that sometimes you come home angry. Dogs don't feel guilt, but they do feel fear. You do not want your dog to feel afraid when you come home. You have to work together on this! Accidents are okay during the training process. They are going to happen. Find your happy place, ignore your dog until you cool down, and clean the mess with an enzymatic cleaner designed for dog messes. Enzymatic cleaners, when used according to their directions, will actually eat the mess so there won't be anything left to attract your dog back to that spot. Remember that just because you can't see or smell it doesn't mean your dog can't smell it!

Tip 4: Keep it fun. Training should always be fun. Nobody learns when they're frustrated, and training through trauma doesn't teach your puppy critical thinking skills. Your puppy should feel encouraged to try new things to better understand what you want from them! If you're still having accidents, adjust as needed. If you feel there are other behavioral concerns, feel free to reach out to me! Spraying and anxiety based urination are different matters entirely. If your dog was potty trained and then suddenly stops, talk to your vet to make sure that it's not a medical issue! Even if they seem perfectly fine, there could be something very wrong on the inside. If your dog's environment changes, you may need to brush up on potty training skills. You can also teach your dog a cue to let you know when they have to go outside! But this can be a double edged sword. Once they realize how to get you to open the door, many dogs abuse the system and will cue you to let them in and out all day long!

Tools of the Trade:

Leash: you can keep your puppy on a leash during the training process to help supervise them. A supervised puppy is a puppy who has trouble peeing on the carpet! Learn your pup's signs so that you can tell they need to go (circling and sniffing is common, but each dog is an individual). Give your dog a cue, "Outside!", and then calmly take them to their pee area. You can even pick them up as that will discourage most dogs from peeing as they walk! Do not leave your dog on a leash or tie unsupervised!

Crate: Dogs are den animals by nature, so they will go out of their way to avoid using the bathroom in their crate. Make sure the crate is the right size! Not too big (or they'll eliminate on one side and sleep on the other), and not too small (they need room to comfortably stand, turn around, and lay down). Never force a dog to use a crate, and never use it for punishment. It should feel like a bedroom to them. A safe space. Dogs may be crated for up to 3 hours. Beyond that it is important that they are able to blow off energy and stimulate their mind! If you're going to be gone longer than that, then I suggest creating a puppy safe play area with an elimination spot, play area, rest area, and water bowl. Let me know if you would like more information on crate training as an aid for potty training or ideas for puppy safe spaces.

Treats: Always remember that a reward is based on what the dog wants in that moment, not what you want them to want and not always what they wanted the day before. All dogs are individuals with different preferences. Know your dog!

Enzymatic Cleaner: There are many pet safe enzymatic cleaners out there for you to choose from! It's super important to have a cleaner designed for the thing you are cleaning. Dog urine is designed to produce a lingering odor for dogs, and dogs are designed to seek that scent out when looking for a place to go.

And that's it! If you have any potty training questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me. We can problem solve your dog's issues together in a way that is fun and effective for your dog! Keep it positive!

#petcare #dogtraining #pottytraining #puppies