Potty Training Your Dog Now that you have your pet dog at home and are about to enjoy the pleasure of owning the dog, it is better to keep in mind that along with happiness comes responsibility. Your dog needs your love and care to grow into a well mannered and healthy dog.
The initial few days are important and crucial for your dog to adjust to his new surroundings. One of the most difficult tasks that you will face with your dog is to potty train him. Bear in mind that potty training could be irritating and tricky since your dog may run around and start soiling the whole house. However, the whole frustrating exercise of potty training your dog could prove to be rewarding in the long run as it not just will train him to defecate in the appropriate places, but it will also enhance your bonding with your dog. It is recommended to follow certain guidelines for potty training your dog in order to be successful.
Crate training your dog may prove useful. Since the crate can used as place for the dog to sleep or play with a few dog toys, he will generally not mess his bedding, so he learns to control his bowels. Take your dog out of his crate and take him to the backyard or to his potty place periodically, then your dog will know from the beginning that the potty time is controlled and confined to a particular place.
It is advisable to control and schedule the dog's eating time. Designate a proper place for his food indoors and let the dog eat for about 15 to 30 minutes and then take him outside to defecate after about 15 minutes of finishing his food, as a meal acts as a trigger. Practice this routine always; it will enable the dog to learn to control his bowel movements.
Your dog will be potty trained faster if you reward him for his success, in terms of praise or a pat on the back when he defecates at the designated spot. Avoid treats, as they could trigger the urge to potty again. Avoid being harsh with your dog when mistakes and accidents occur; just firmly point out the place for potty.
Designate a proper place for the dog to defecate and urinate. Walk him to the spot every time; this enables your dog to confine to one particular place and also, since the smell of the urine acts as trigger, it is advisable that if any accidents occur inside the house the area should be cleaned with a deodorizer to kill the odor of urine or potty. If the deodorizer does not work then add a few drops of vanilla extract; this will definitely take the odor out of the place.
Create and develop a schedule of going for walks daily in the morning and evening and encourage the dog to defecate during these walks. Also encourage him to potty at his designated place as constant repetition will make your dog identify the appropriate place.
Commitment and patience shown by you will make the task of potty training your dog pretty easy. With dedication and following a few tips, your potty training program will be a success and leave your home odor free.
Author: Unknown
