Dog Potty Training

Dogs needs to be potty trained just like human kids. Dogs need to go when they need to go and as good owners we need to make it happen. This article aims to provide more information on potty training for dogs. 

Dog potty training requires patience and commitment to achieve the objective which is to inculcate good bio habits in your dog so that both of you can co-exist healthily in a clean home. Once your pet is house trained, this will reduce the stress levels on you, your family and your dog too.

When to Start Potty Training

Generally, you can take puppies from breeders when they are around seven weeks old. Ideally you should start potty training puppy when your furry friend arrives at your house. This is because if the dog does its business unsupervised, there will be more work for you to change the spot. A dog is drawn to the same spot due to the scent and if you don’t like that spot you would need to wash that area well with enzymatic cleaner and spray with air fresheners so that there is no smell triggered for your pet to return to the spot. Do note to read the cleaning agent’s instructions before use.

More information about potty patch for dogs here

How Long Does It Take To Potty Train A Dog

How long it would take before a dog is potty trained is on a case-to-case basis as it can range from a few weeks to a few months.  Here are some of the factors that account for the difference in duration: –

Dog breed

Intelligent breeds like Border Collie, German Shepherds, Labradors and Retrievers are quick learners.

Dog’s age

Chances of training an older dog is better.

Dogs history

Some breeders take the initiative to lay the groundwork for potty training. Rescued dogs previously with owners will also quickly adjust to the new routine.

Training Method – Effectiveness

Ultimately it would depend on your training methods. If you consistently follow the tips here, your journey would be faster.

Potty Dog Training Guidelines

Confine your puppy to give you more control. This can be done by putting them in a crate or enclosure or having them on a leash and securing the leash.

It is important to know the duration of confinement to prevent bladder infection and unnecessary cruelty. In general, a dog’s bladder control improves an additional hour every month. This implies that a two-month-old puppy can hold on without the need of relieving itself for two hours.

  Recommended Routines

Below are some recommended routines.

Feed your dog at regular consistent intervals. This would lead to regular excretion timings. While the reason for removing uneaten puppy food after 10 minutes is different from feeding puppy guidelines, this act will also help to gauge the next toilet break time.

Take the puppy outside at regular intervals. Take him out first thing in the morning. Take him immediately after each meal as puppies tend to defecate soon after a meal. Take him out regularly like every couple of hours for a two-month-old puppy. If he is sleeping, let him continue sleeping and take him out when he has awakened. Before retiring for the night, do take him out.

Guide him to the same spot. Use a leash to walk the dog to the area.

Use words like “Go poo poo” to encourage the excrement process. Do not rush him though. Remember even puppies can feel your energy.

Praise him when he has accomplished his mission of pooping in the same spot. You would need to stay with him so that you can provide instant correction by saying “No” if he attempts to go to another area. Praise should be provided instantly so that he can associate why he got rewarded.

Remove the water receptacle when the puppy retires for the night. This is important especially for puppies sleeping in crates as even puppies don’t really want to defecate and sleep in the same place

Even by following the routines properly, there will be times when your dog might have an accident. If this happens, do not shout and punish the puppy. Dragging the puppy to the accident spot and shouting at them would not work as they are not old enough to realize what they did wrong.

Depending on your success criteria, to me, if a dog does not urinate or defecate in the house for two months, he is considered house trained.

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