Potty Training Dogs 101

By Geraldine Dimarco

Let's face it, dogs are a man's best friend until they unload a bomb in your living room and you're stuck with cleaning duties. If you want your residence to be an official no canine poop zone; potty training dogs is what you need to be reading up on. Well, what do you know-- you're reading the simple and fast guide on how to do it right now.

Hearing the obligatory chores in house training dogs is enough to make the best of us cringe. Some don't even bother to make an effort. As a result, many dogs have never learned the basics on toilet training. It may be easier to teach puppies good habits, but adult dogs can still learn to do their business outside properly.

It will be helpful to know that it is easier to train older canines to do than to don't. What this means is that if he is not taught how to go out to eliminate; you will find it almost impossible to undo this learned behavior. You will need to teach him a new habit. In this scenario, it is going outdoors to do his business.

Look for a spot outdoors specifically to use for his toilet needs. The dog will feel like eliminating ten to fifteen minutes after eating. Take him out to the designated area around that time. As you walk to his spot, keep repeating a phrase he will associate with this activity like, 'go potty'. When he finally does, lavish him with praise so he will understand that what he just did was good. Keep doing this process for several weeks, using the same spot each time. You need to be consistent in house training dogs.

Dog accidents can still crop up even when you are in the middle of potty training him. If you catch in the act, quickly stop him and take him outside to finish his business. Give him treats and play with him right after he successfully finishes doing it outside. If you find the mound of poop alone with no dog in sight, do not look for him and start yelling. He will not understand that you are getting mad because of this particular action. Be vigilant to the dog right after his eating time to avoid future similar incidents.

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 him or put water and food inside his cage at night so your sleep will not be disturbed. You can take him outside to discharge in the morning or even after he wakes up from a short cat, I mean, dog nap. When you have succeeded in teaching him how to go out for this particular activity, see to it that leaving the house is as convenient as possible for him. A swinging dog flap installed in your doors or a cage near an open back door will do the job.

Potty training dogs is an important chore for responsible pet owners. Not only does it discipline and mentally stimulate your dog to behave correctly, you home will be all the cleaner and nicer because of it. - 31866

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