Potty Training : It’s Easier than you think

Potty training is usually the first thing pet parents have to work on. No one wants to have to clean up pee and poop all the time. Whether you have a puppy, or an older dog coming into your home, its all the same concepts, and its easier than you think.

Lets dive in!

be proactive

In all honesty, potty training is about management, and being proactive. This mean putting things in place to prevent something from happening in the first place. Get equipment, proof your home, and create a schedule to make sure you can limit the accidents your dog has in the home.

• Equipment:

  Find equipment that works best for you and your lifestyle, I will say crate training is important regardless in case of emergencies.

  • Crate: this is a great way to have your puppy or dog somewhere safe when you cannot keep an eye on them. Wire crates or enclosed plastic crates will work, but makes sure its the right size for your dog. If the crate is too big your dog can have an area to potty in and an area for sleeping. Wire crates are great because most of them come with a divider so you can adjust the size and spend less money in the long run!

  • Play pen: some dogs aren’t a fan of the crate and need some more time to get acclimated, so pens are a great alternative for your dog. They are in a confined area and you can keep a better eye on them.

  • Artificial turf vs. pee pads: I personally prefer artificial turf, you can clean it and it helps you transition your dog or puppy to potty outside much easier. You can also clean them and reuse, so you spend less money. Pee pads can be costly, a waste, and can be a little more work to transition. Everyone has their preference, so just weigh your options!

• How to Proof Your Home

  Its good practice to proof your home whether its a puppy or older dog.

  • Close doors and block off areas: a wandering dog around the house is more likely to have an accident. Limit the areas they can go unless you are keeping a very close eye on them

    • Baby gates are great for this! I recommend baby gates that are more secured to the wall, especially if you have a bigger dog.

  • In the beginning stages keep their pen or crate close to the door to go outside: sometimes dogs just can’t hold it, if your dog is upstairs when you let them out of their crate they may not make it to the door.

    • If you aren’t able to keep them close to the door, make sure you let them out more frequently, not wait until they are about to blow

• Creating A Schedule

  Make sure you know when someone will be home to let your dog/puppy out, and know how frequently they need to be taken out.

  • A good rule of thumb in the beginning is to take your dog/puppy out every hour: obviously we can extend this the better they get, but starting here is a good way to help them associate potty time with outside and limit accidents.

  • Also consider feeding times. Dogs, especially puppies usually have to go shortly after eating. So try to schedule feeding times around when someone will be home to take them out. I also recommend feeding earlier in the evening approx. 4/4:30pm, this allows time for your dog to pass the food before bedtime. Also, picking up water around 5/5:30pm to prevent overnight accidents. If your dog/puppy needs water after a long walk or play time, please do not deny them water. Just make sure you take the out before bedtime.

Things to keep in mind

• Good Times/ Indicators Your Dog Needs To Go Out

  • First thing in the morning

  • Before bedtime

  • After a nap

  • After being let out of their pen or crate

  • After play time

  • If your dog/puppy stops playing and starts to walk around and sniff, they should probably go outside to potty

  • If your dog/puppy is pacing around the house and sniffing in general, you should take them out.

• What If There Are Accidents?

  Accidents WILL happen, even if you have already potty trained your dog. Its inevitable, as hard as we try. Try to avoid punishing your dog. Most of the time, we see it after the fact so when we punish our dogs later when we see it, the dog doesn’t know why they are being punished. Rubbing their nose in it, teaches them nothing. When you punish your dog, your dog will start to hide it from you by having accidents where you can’t see. So when you go to do your spring cleaning you’ll find a pile of poop behind your couch. Instead, swallow your frustration, clean it up, and take it as feedback that you need to let them out more, or adjust your schedule.

  Instead of punishing, reinforce and praise them for going potty outside or where they are supposed to. When you take your dog out watch them to make sure they use the restroom, and then praise it. This is going to increase that behavior and that pattern. Please keep in mind, our dogs are not born knowing that they can’t pee on our carpet. They don’t even know what carpet is. We have to show them, teach them.

If you have any questions please feel free to comment!

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Happy training!