Potty Basics: To Go or Not To Go

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    Did you know some responsible breeders start potty training exercises with their pups at as early as 3 weeks of age?  By the time their dogs are sent to new loving homes, they already have grasped the basic principles of eliminating outside!

     Most of us are not so fortunate.  We arrive home with our furry bundle of joy, and have to clean up not so pleasant puddles or smelly surprises a few times before our four-footed family members learn where to "go".

     Here are a few tips to help with potty training your new (or slightly confused) companion!


~Remember the times when a dog will naturally need to eliminate: when first waking up (even from a short nap), when full of food or water, after vigorous play or exercise, and additional times depending on age and bladder size.

~ Clean for Real.   You can't smell a thing?  The stain is out of the carpet? Great, but Fido has a much more sensitive sniffer!  If you are not using an enzymatic cleanser (one that lists "enzymes" in the ingredients), you are not killing the pheromones, which are the scent markers that tell your dog that this is an appealing place to go because it has been used before.

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~Know when they are full.  When is the last time your dog ate?  How about the last time they drank  water?  By having assigned feeding times, and putting the water dish where you can easily see when they drink will help you know when your dog is full, and needs to be emptied.

~Learn your dog's cues.  Almost every dog gives signals when they have to eliminate.  Some dogs discreetly sniff, some circle, some pace, some just get really anxious and jittery.  You will need to learn what your dog does so you can get them outside to where they are supposed to do it, or they will not be able to learn that is what you want.  Once the pattern of going outside to potty has started, then you can add your own cue (such as bells at the door).  If you try to add your own cue too early, you have a very good possibility of simply training your dog that the cue means going outside to play (and nothing to do with potty).

~Don't spend too long outside waiting.  Go directly to one area in your yard where you would like them to eliminate and stand quietly.  No talking to them, no playing.  You probably want to have them on a leash at first even if you have a fenced in yard, or you will have no way to keep them from turning "potty time" into "game time".  If your pup does not use the bathroom after a few minutes, it's not the end of the world.  Just go back inside and continue life as normal while watching for your dog's cues.

~REWARD!!!  As soon as they begin to eliminate, quietly praise (who likes to be shouted at while using the toilet?) and be sure to follow up that praise with a yummy treat!  After your treat, then you can have that great walk, fun game of fetch, or other rewarding activity!  Never punish for a potty mistake.  This is not only unfair to the dog (YOU were supposed to get them outside), but can set your potty training backwards- since they probably won't want to go potty in front of you again!

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~Minimize opportunity for accidents.  If your dog is still having accidents, WATCH THEM.  If you cannot keep your eyes on them, they need to be in a safe place, such as a crate, or puppy safe room or pen.

~If you are having trouble with one particular area (they always "Oops" in the same spot), after you have properly cleaned it with an enzymatic cleanser, feed them there for several days.  It is unnatural for an animal to want to eliminate where it habitually eats (do you know anyone with a toilet on their dining room table?).



     These are just a few basics.  If you would like help setting specific goals for your puppy or dog, please feel free to contact me.

     Happy training!



*** All photos used in this entry are courtesy of the Greater Charlotte SPCA.  Please feel free to check out their website!   www.charlotteSPCA.org