Potty Training

The key to success in potty training is timing the IN and OUT. Puppies take IN food and water and usually within 15-20 minutes, they pee or poop it OUT.  So your main responsibility is to get your puppy where you want him to be in time for the OUT. Timing is everything, but timing does not always work so clean up is part of the process of potty training your dog. 

Puppies are easier to train than older dogs, but their training takes on more frequency because they are still developing their organs.  With older un-trained dogs you need to be more vigilant.  Older dogs are not just learning a new habit they most likely have to unlearn an old habit.  Most all the tips will work for Puppies and Older dogs, but again the frequency with puppies is important.

 1. Take your dog outside and stay with your dog until business is done or a long time has passed with no results.  With Puppies you want to take them out as soon as the puppy wakes up from sleeping (no matter the time of day), immediately after eating, before bedtime, and at any time there is a whimper. With an older dog you want to get into a routine of morning, afternoon and evening…or when you sense your dog needs to go.  

 2. During the training weeks only feed and water your puppy or dog when you can take him outside immediately afterward. This limitation will speed up the training process for your dog.  There will be fewer accidents and your dog will quickly learn what you want, but use your best judgment in keeping your dog hydrated.  Potty training, like all other training, is a matter of using your best judgment.

3. Accidents do happen and when they do quietly clean it up.  This is not the time to talk to your puppy in either a loving or annoyed tone and do not yell or do any type of physical punishment.  Essentially ignore your puppy while you do the cleanup.

4. Stay close to your puppy or dog during the training time and immediately take your puppy/dog out at the first indication that they have to go.  Have a phrase or word that signals your puppy/dog that now is the time to go.  Some phrases used are “Get busy”, “Do your dooty”, “Do your business”, etc.  Think of something that works for you and your dog and use it.  Start by saying it when they start to poop or pee.  You may need to do this a few dozen times, and then start saying it immediately before they go and then move to saying it as a motivator.  

5. Take time to praise and don’t rush back inside.  Like all training, it is so important to praise your dog when they have finished their business where you want them to.  Also, don’t rush back inside as soon as your dog is done.  Your dog may learn that the fun of being outside ends the moment he eliminates thus encouraging your dog not to do his business.