The first thing you should do in house-training a puppy or an adult dog is to be calm. There is a way to help you ease your concern over successfully training your dog to pee. It is known that dogs naturally learn to relieve themselves outside their dens. All you need to do is modify a little what is already programmed in them.
In the wild, puppies are taught by their mothers to eliminate away from their den. The mother dog also ensures that their den is clean and free of pee or poo scent. With this example, the puppies are less likely to relieve themselves there.
You can copy what the mother pooch is doing in your own home to keep it poo- and pee-free. You must do so calmly so that your pet will not pick up the wrong kind of energy from you. Much patience is needed as it will take time for dogs to develop and reinforce the right potty habit.
We have already talked about house-training puppies. In this piece, we will elaborate those details further with specific steps and tips, as follows.
Steps to Train Your Dog to Potty in One Area
- Identify the potty area. You can use stones, clothesline, chicken wire, or some other material that can mark this place. This doggy bathroom can be between 6–12 feet wide, depending on the size of your pooch. This spot should feel familiar and safe for the pet so he will not be hesitant to go there. It should not be in high-traffic spots in your yard or home. You can also let him choose the spot and mark that place as his potty area.If you have a puppy that has not been appropriately vaccinated yet, you may use puppy pads. Set the pad on the designated indoor toilet spot.
- Set a potty routine. Normally, your pooch needs to relieve himself after waking up in the morning, 20–30 minutes after eating, and after playing. Do the toilet breaks at those times.
- Lead your dog to the potty spot. When the time to eliminate comes, put your furry friend on a lead. Take him from your house or his resting space and into the toilet area.
- Use a command. Say the command once your dog arrives at the spot. The cue phrase should be the same one used every potty time. The advantage in using a command is that your pet will learn to eliminate on command. You must say the cue first before he relieves himself.
- Reward the attempt. When your pooch does his business at the right spot and after you have said the cue word or phrase, reward him. You can use praise plus a treat in the initial stages. When you praise or touch him, do so without being so loud or boisterous.If he does not perform the process in the exact way you want him to, give him praise but withhold the treat. Your pet will learn that the correct way gets the best rewards. If he relieves himself correctly and as quickly as possible, you can toss a ball with him twice before going back.
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Training Consistently and Progressively
After a few weeks, you can try accompanying your pet to the potty area without a lead. If he gets distracted or goes to another spot, get his attention. You can clap your hand or say a reproving word, for example. Guide him towards the doggy toilet and praise him once he follows.
In a couple of weeks (depending on your dog’s progress), shift to unescorted potty breaks. Your pooch must have mastered the potty routine by this time. Instead of escorting him when it is toilet time, open the door for him and use the command. Allow him to proceed solo whilst you observe. If he diverts, correct him verbally. Reward him once he does his business correctly.
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What You Should NEVER Do
- Yell when your dog has an accident Scolding your pet for his toilet training mistakes will only make the experience a negative one for him. He will also not associate the yelling to the potty accident. He may look guilty but that does not mean he is apologetic for that incident. This will defeat the purpose of the training and may even delay progress. Instead, remain calm and clean up the mess so he will not relieve in the same wrong spot again.
- Not clean the potty area or accident spot If you do not clean and sanitise the area right away, your pet will relieve himself in the same place again. The scent is like a sign for them that says it is okay to potty there.
- Rush the potty session Rushing the process will stress your pooch and make it harder for him to eliminate without obstacles. You must wait for him to start and finish his business, as long as he is not doing anything unrelated to the activity. In time, he will be more efficient at it.
Did these tips make you feel more confident about dog house-training? Take it even further with these pet training tips!
