Potty training your dog is vital part of living with your pet. Success will come easily from the following three things:
- Patience
- Consistency
- Praise/Reward
Remain patient. Your dog’s undesired behavior is ultimately your fault. Teaching your dog a new behavior will take some time and effort on your part. If accidents happen remain calm and reflect on why/how the accident occurred. Do not scold or punish your dog if accidents do occur. Remember that the accident is your fault not your dogs.
Be consistent. Take your dog to the same door to go outside. Take your dog directly to the same area of the yard to relieve himself and give a potty command. Do not leave the potty area of the yard until your dog has relieved himself. In the beginning this will require your patience and you might have to take your dog out on a leash to keep him in the desired potty area of the yard. Calmly repeat your potty command as many times as necessary. The more consistent you are the quicker your dog will learn the new behavior.
After your dog has relieved himself, be lavish with verbal praise and reward him with petting, playing with a favorite toy or a doggie treat. You are teaching your dog that business comes first rewarded with attention and treats.
If you make a trip to the yard and your dog does not relieve itself do not be defeated. Do not scold your dog but do not reward your dog either. Take your friend back into the house and confine them to an area where they do not leave your sight. When your dog is out of your sight is when accidents occur. Wait fifteen to thirty minutes and start the process of going outside over again. Repeat this until your dog has relieved itself successfully in the potty area of the yard.
These are the basics to potty training your dog. If more then one person in the house is involved with potty training, be sure that everyone is being consistent by doing the same things and using the same commands.
The more consistent you are the quicker your dog will learn the new behavior.
