How to Potty Train a Dog

In my previous post about How to Potty Train a Dog I discussed some of the more common questions about potty training a dog. We discussed the fact that the techniques can be used for potty training a small dog such as a Yorkshire Terrier, large dogs such as the German Shepherd and will work just on any dog breed you have. This post will discuss learning how to train a dog to go outside if you know what I mean!

So let’s get down to business…

How to Potty Train a Dog

After you’ve come to accept the fact that puppies and dogs will have some mistakes, you must learn to pick up on the signs that your dog needs to go do her business. In general, dogs, especially puppies will need to go to the bathroom when they wake up, after eating/drinking and chewing. Also if you ever see your dog sniffing around or going in circles it maybe a sign that your dog needs to go. Even when I take my Boxer outside he usually tends to sniff around first before going! By learning to pick up on these signs you will better your chances of potty training your dog and you will learn how to potty train a dog in a shorter period of time.

During the first few weeks when you bring your dog home you should get into the habit of keeping your dog on a leash. By doing so you will make sure that your dog is beside you at all times and you can quickly take them out when you see any of the signs that tell how that your dog needs to go potty.

Now for the important part of learning how to potty train a dog. Every time your dog goes to the bathroom in the area you chose, you need to praise them very enthusiastically. This will let your dog know that they have done the right thing by going outside. Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. If you are employing the dog on a leash technique then you should not remove the leash before your dog goes. If you remove the leash first, then your dog maybe more inclined to play first and forget the fact that they need to go.

While I was writing this How to Potty Train a Dog post I thought I should mention the times when the dog goes in the wrong area. After all, learning how to deal with your dog’s potty training accidents is just as important as learning about potty training a dog. If your puppy or dog does has an accident, don’t rub her nose in it or use any kind of physical punishment. Physical punishment should never be used in any dog training regime and trust me, not only is it cruel but it will set you back when learning how to train a dog to do any thing.

A method that some dog trainers use is making a loud noise (ie. clap your hands) and then you can quickly pick up your dog and take him outside to do his business. Of course you can only pick your dog up if he or she is small enough. If not you may just have to put up with it and then clean the mess up and get rid off any odor. If you don’t clean up the mess properly your dog may be more inclined to relieve himself in the same place. Don’t ask me why but all dog owners know that dog’s tend to go in the same place over and over again. See, I told how that this How to Potty Train a Dog post will be informative :) Again after your dog goes, you should make sure to praise and reward them for finishing their business outside.

I should also mention that when potty training a dog that if you don’t catch your puppy in the act you should never try to correct the problem. Your dog won’t understand what she is being corrected for and you will just leaving her more confused.

How to Potty Train an Older Dog

While the potty training methods I described above can be used to train all dogs you may find that potty training an older dog a bit more challenging. Learning how to train a dog to go outside may take a bit more time when dealing with an older dog. Older dogs have already built habits that need to be broken. On the other hand when you are potty training a puppy you are doing so from scratch. Regardless of the age, the techniques I described above can be used to potty train dogs of all ages.

I hope you enjoyed my post and look for more information about how to train a dog including how to crate train a dog which will further help you in your potty training quest.

Stay tuned for more info about How to Potty Train a Dog.

Berto