Sure, we all love our dogs. The indoor poop and the pee spots are unfortunate incidents that happen to come with the package. Wouldn’t it be great though to not have to deal with cleaning up his mess anymore? With your patience and these tips on potty training dogs, it can be done.
Not a lot of people jump for joy at the mention of house training dogs. As a result, some people who adopt older dogs will be surprised to find them still untrained in ‘doing their business’ outside. While it may be easier to teach puppies to eliminate properly; adult dogs can still be taught correct toilet behavior anytime.
First thing you have to remember is that its easier to train adult dogs to do than to don’t. This means that if he was taught not to go potty indoors, you will have a hard time undoing this learned behavior. Instead, you have to teach him a new habit. In this case, its going outside to relieve himself.
Choose an area for this specific purpose. Around ten to fifteen minutes after meal times, go out and walk him around the designated spot. As you walk back and forth around the spot, clearly speak out a phrase that relates to this particular activity like, ‘go potty’. Say it repeatedly until he finally ‘goes potty’. Praise him enthusiastically right after to let him know he’s done a good job. Do this for a few weeks, always using the same toilet area. Remember house training dogs require consistency in the patterns you set.
When accidents do happen in the midst of your training plan, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Potty training sometimes takes a while. If you see the poop but not the dog, do not look for the culprit and start yelling. He will not understand why you are getting mad. If you catch him in the middle of the crime, startle him and bring him quickly outside to finish. Reward him with a treat and praises right after. Be extra attentive to your pet post meal to avoid future accidents.
In case it happens, clean the accident immediately as thoroughly as possible. Use a solution that combats odor to get rid of any residual smell it might leave behind or else the dog will revisit his spot and use it to eliminate again. Remember in potty training dogs, they do not like sharing their sleeping area and their toilet area; so keep their cage or crate as small as possible without it being too cramped for them.
Do not feed and water your dog less than two hours before sleeping time to ensure that there will be no accidents that will surprise you in the light of day. Bring him out to do his business first thing in the morning and after he wakes up from naps. When you have successfully potty trained your pet, make going outside as easy and convenient as possible for him. Place the cage near an open back door or give your doors a swinging dog flap for his easy access.
Potty training dogs should be a priority in responsible dog ownership. It disciplines and mentally challenges your dog to do the right thing, and your home will thank you for it.
