The Do’s and Don’ts of Potty Training Your Dog
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households, or approximately 90.5 million families, own a pet.
The process of potty training your dog can be a long and trying one sometimes. In the long run, it’s worth it, of course. You will have a happier, healthier dog, and be assured that your dog is keeping your house clean, especially in an emergency. Keep reading for a guide on the dos and don’ts of potty training your dog.
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The Do’s of Potty Training Your Dog
Establish Set Potty Rules with Your Pooch
When you take your pup outside, stay with them and encourage them with positive reinforcement like treats, petting, and verbal praise when they do the right thing. If they make a mistake, take your pup back to the designated area and try again.
Understand the Signs of Potty Needs
Before potty time, your dog may start sniffing or circling the area. It is a sign that your dog needs to go potty. Another is when your dog starts barking or scratching at the door. It is most likely your dog’s way of telling you they need to go outside. When they cannot make it to their spot-on potty time, they may show signs of urgency, such as whining or pacing around.
Utilize Positive Reinforcement When Potty Training
Avoid punishment or scolding when your dog has an accident, as this will only scare your dog and make the potty-training techniques longer and more complex. During the potty training phase, take the pup out regularly, praise the puppy when it goes into the designated area, and reward it with a treat.
Use verbal cues like “Go potty” to help your dog understand when and where it is acceptable. You can view here for more possible signals that are good to use.
The Don’ts of Potty Training Your Dog
Don’t Get Discouraged if the Training Takes Time
Patience and consistency are crucial to achieving success. Do not expect overnight success, dogs may take several weeks to learn the desired behaviors thoroughly. Throughout the process, it is essential to remain consistent.
Rehoming Is Not the Solution
Rehoming a pet does not address the underlying issue and is unfair to the animal. You may place the dog with a more experienced pet owner, but they may need to be trained to respond to practical methods for that particular breed.
Dedicating time and effort ensures the owner has a well-mannered, obedient, and loving pet that is less likely to be abandoned in the future.
Refrain from Using Sweets as Rewards
While rewarding desired behaviors, You should avoid sweet treats. Dogs’ digestive systems are not designed to digest large amounts of sugar. Instead, it would help if you used healthy and appropriate rewards such as a kibble of their regular food, dry chew sticks, and healthy treats free of artificial flavors, fillers, and sugars.
Have Successful Training with Your Dog
Potty training your dog is key to establishing a healthy and happy relationship between pet and owner. Remember, patience and consistency are key. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll soon have a happy dog and home.
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