When it comes to potty training dogs, working on it as early as possible is always a good idea. Logically, dog owners love to see their dog well-trained and behaved. However, it takes a dose of persistence and patience to make this happen. Although dogs are relatively clean animals, without training, their instincts may drive them to relieve themselves wherever they feel like. It becomes very frustrating for dog owners when they have to clean up soiled carpeting. It takes a fair amount of training for your dog to know where he can and cannot go. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Be Patient and Persistent
It is important to realize that the younger the puppy is, the longer it may take him to pick up the right potty training habits. This means you will need to practice both patience and persistence. When you train your dog on a daily basis, he or she will gradually learn the rules and form the right habits. Remember, every dog has its own unique personality. Spanking and punishing your dog every time he makes a mess won’t solve the problem.
Create Good Habits
Animal behaviorists suggest that the key to perfectly potty training your dog is to create a habit for your dog. To do this, take the dog out every few hours, in addition to 30 minutes after mealtime. When you are indoors, pay attention to your dog’s body language. If he or she sniffs or circles around, this is a sign that it is time to take them out. Select a specific spot in your yard to take him to, every time. When your dog relieves himself in this spot, give him lots of praise. If he doesn’t, try again in 15 minutes. Over time, he will associate going outdoors with going to the bathroom.
Learn How to React to Accidents
A dog’s learning curve is largely affected by how the pet owner reacts to accidents. Each time you think your dog is about to relieve himself, call out his name or clap to distract his attention. You will need to constantly pay attention to his behavioral habits. Be sure that if your dog has an accident that you don’t take out your anger or frustration on the dog. Simply clean up the mess and ignore the dog completely while you do it. Installing fear in the dog will not help him train better.
Confining the Dog
At times, the best approach to potty training your dog is to confine him inside a crate. This is because a dog usually will not relieve himself in the same spot where he sleeps or sits. The instinct becomes to move out of the crate in order to relieve himself. Just be sure to put your dog in a crate that is large enough for him to stand up and turn around in. Crating your dog will help create a pattern that the dog will naturally follow even when he isn’t in the crate.
Using Repetitive Commands
It is a good idea to use a specific command repeatedly until the dog understands what you mean by it. An example would be if you take him outside, you could say “go potty.” Dogs have a keen ear and a sharp learning curve. Gradually, the dog will understand what the owner is telling him to do. Using this command on a regular basis is needed for your dog to become familiar with it and gradually start to follow it.
Keeping Your Pet Dog Happy
It is important to allow your dog to bond with you to create trust. This will only happen with love, affection and care. It will help to reward him with treats, and be sure to praise him every time he obeys your commands and responds well to training.