Potty training a dog can be a daunting task if you\u2019ve never done it before. But, as they say, there\u2019s a first time for everything. And housetraining is achievable with persistence and consistency. Dogs are usually pretty quick learners, and housetraining might not be as difficult as you think, so long as you follow some good advice. Here are 10 things dog parents should know about potty training.<\/p>\n
If you come home and find a mess, there\u2019s no use in yelling or punishing your dog. Pups can understand that you\u2019re upset, but it\u2019s hard for them to connect that to a behavior that they\u2019re no longer doing. <\/p>\n
The best thing to do is catch them in the act, then quickly take them outside. Then, they can understand that the act of going in the house is what upsets you.<\/p>\n
Speaking of yelling and punishment, it\u2019s not that effective when compared to treats and praise for doing the right<\/em> thing. When your dog goes outside to do their business, you really need to provide lots of rewards. Your pup will learn much faster with positive reinforcement.<\/p>\n Guilty dogs may be a trend on the internet, but dogs don\u2019t feel guilt the way humans do.<\/p>\n Sure they shrink back, avoid eye contact, and look sad, but they\u2019re really more afraid of eliciting a disappointed reaction from their humans. Dogs don\u2019t know that going potty inside the house is wrong; they just understand that they will be rewarded for doing it outside.<\/p>\n So don\u2019t shame your dog, as it just makes them unhappy without really teaching them anything.<\/p>\n Dogs are a bit like human children in that liquids before bed may mean accidents during the night. If your dog can\u2019t hold it through the night, maybe it\u2019s time to set the water bowl aside before bed. A final trip outside can also reduce the risk of an accident during the night.<\/p>\n You probably understand this idea already, but when your dog eats or drinks, it\u2019s going to have to come out the other end. That means that your dog\u2019s poop and pee schedules rely a lot on when they\u2019ve eaten.<\/p>\n Dog parents know that they need to pay attention to meal time to know when outside time needs to happen. Experienced dog parents can tell you exactly when their pups will need to go potty after a meal.<\/p>\n Also, changes in your dog\u2019s food, and especially eating people food, affect your pup\u2019s potty schedule, so watch out when messing with their diet.<\/p>\n When a dog\u2019s gotta go, a dog\u2019s gotta go, and during the training process, you need to tag along with them.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important that you are outside with your pup, no matter the weather, to provide praise for a job well done during training.<\/p>\n Your dog might also be apprehensive about going outside in some kinds of weather, but having you with them will go a long way in teaching your pup that potty needs to happen outside, whether it\u2019s rain or shine.<\/p>\n Training is a process that demands consistency. Your pup should learn when to expect outdoor time during the day. Don\u2019t skip on the praise and rewards for a job well done. Dogs learn best when training becomes routine, so make sure you keep at it and don\u2019t skip a day.<\/p>\n Dog parents almost always know when their pups need to do their business. That\u2019s because they learn to read the signs their dogs give them.<\/p>\n These signs are sometimes individual to dogs. They may pace, wander aimlessly, jump on you, beg, or stare you down. When you see these signs, take your pup out right away. If they go, now you know what they were trying to tell you!<\/p>\n Even the best-trained dogs can have accidents from time to time. Pups get sick, or they get scared, or they get anxious, and accidents happen. There\u2019s no use getting upset over it, especially when your dog can\u2019t control it.<\/p>\n Keep an eye on your pup\u2019s behavior. If accidents become more frequent, even after training, it may be time for a trip to the vet to see if something is wrong. Anything from a urinary tract infection to diabetes to separation anxiety can cause accidents.<\/p>\n Dogs learn where to go potty much, much faster than children, and they have an easier time learning, too. Any experienced dog parent can tell you that potty training is easier than it sounds, and it doesn\u2019t take long for your pup to understand the rules.<\/p>\n So don\u2019t be daunted. Stay consistent, and your pup will be doing their business outside all the time before you know it.<\/p>\n3. Dogs don\u2019t really feel guilty, but they fake it well<\/h2>\n
4. Avoid water before bed<\/h2>\n
5. What goes in must come out <\/h2>\n
6. Weather is not an excuse<\/h2>\n
7. Consistency is key<\/h2>\n
8. Dogs give you signs<\/h2>\n
9. Accidents happen<\/h2>\n
10. Dogs learn way faster than kids<\/h2>\n