When potty training your dog, it seems like a simple process that you can easily do on your own. You take them outside, they do their business, and you reward them afterward. Right?
Not quite. There are a lot of things that you need to consider when learning how to train your pet dog to use their own toilet.
For example, mistakes can often happen with dog potty training that can ruin everything you are working on with your dog. If your dog is potty trained inside the house, how do you avoid mistakes to keep your dog from backsliding to its old ways?
We want to help make sure you avoid dog potty training mistakes so you can successfully potty train your dog to use their outdoor waste area with this guide. Here are ten training tips for dog potty that can help you make sure your dog transitions easily.
1. Not Having a Schedule
Not having a schedule is one of the biggest mistakes made during dog potty training. Without a regular schedule, a dog may become confused when it comes to potty time.
To prevent any miscommunication and confusion, it is important to have potty breaks for dogs that are consistent. This schedule should be used every day, no matter the circumstances. This is so the dog knows when it’s time to go.
Feed your puppy at the same times each day and take them outside right after eating. Take your pup on a short potty break every hour and a longer potty break after physical activity or playing. Having a consistent plan for potty training will make it much easier for your dog to know when it’s time to go and help it learn faster.
2. Punishing Them for Accidents
One of the most common mistakes in dog potty training is punishing them for accidents. Punishing a dog for something that happened in the past will only cause further confusion.
It can cause them to become afraid of elimination in your presence, making it more difficult to train them properly. Instead, it’s important to focus on positive reinforcement when your pup eliminates in the correct spot. Give them verbal praise, treats, or toys when they go to the bathroom in the right spot, and encourage them.
Be sure to keep the correct elimination spot clean and free from distractions, including other animals. Conversely, be sure to clean any accidents with an odor neutralizer so the scent doesn’t encourage them to use that dog potty spot again.
Last but not least, you can lessen the likelihood of making a mistake while housebreaking your dog. This is if you stick to a steady pattern that establishes positive associations with going to the bathroom.
3. Not Using Positive Reinforcements
One of the most common mistakes when it comes to potty training a dog is not using positive reinforcements. During the training period, it’s important to reward good behavior and remain consistent with commands.
If the dog isn’t praised for going to the bathroom in the right place, it’s likely to do its business somewhere else without realizing what will happen. To avoid this mistake, use positive reinforcement when the dog does their business in the right place.
Be sure to praise them with treats or words of appreciation. Additionally, give consistent commands and avoid changing them too often. Confusing the pup might lead them to choose the wrong spot.
Rewards are critical for communicating to your pup that their behavior is appreciated. This is why it’s important to focus on praises and rewards rather than punishments.
4. Not Having Pee Pads
Not having pee pads is one of the most common dog potty training mistakes people make. This mistake can be avoided by keeping pee pads out at all times and having fresh pads available. Also, doing additional research about this by visiting a page on pee pads.
Teaching your dog that pee pads are the designated area to pee can help avoid confusion and mess. Additionally, having the same scent on your pee pads will help your dog remember where to go each time.
Consistency is key when it comes to potty training, so make sure to give your pup ample opportunities to use the pee pads and take frequent trips there. With patience and consistency, you and your pup will soon be potty trained!
5. Not Spending Quality Time
Show your dog that you care and are able to reward them when they’ve finished their business by being present with them. Giving your dog quality time, like playing a game with them or giving them food while they are outside, can help them learn good habits faster.
After all, dogs are more likely to use the same spot if they find it inviting. By being consistent and investing quality time with your dog, you will quickly have a potty-trained pup in no time.
6. Lack of Supervision
One of the most common mistakes when potty training a dog is a lack of supervision. Dogs can get confused and frustrated if they are left alone for long amounts of time without being told what to do or given a chance to go to the bathroom.
They are left wondering why they are not allowed to go anywhere when they need to. The best way to avoid this mistake is to supervise your puppy whenever possible. Preferably all the time during the potty training process.
7. Giving Up Too Soon
Giving up too soon is one of the leading dog potty training mistakes that owners make. This usually happens because the plan isn’t strict enough because there are too many other things going on. Also, it can be because the owner is impatient and gives up when the dog isn’t learning as quickly as it would like.
It’s important that the process remains consistent and that there is a regular schedule for outside time to use the restroom. If your pup is not potty-trained by a certain age, don’t give up. Remain consistent and reward desired behavior.
Additionally, try to keep sessions short and positive. If your pup needs to go, distract him with a toy and take him outside. If reinforcement is necessary, use a firm voice and avoid physical punishment.
8. Not Cleaning Up After
When it comes to potty training their dogs, many pet owners make the mistake of not cleaning up accidents right away. This is a mistake that can be avoided.
Persistent stains and odors can make a household space very uninviting and can also be confusing to your dog. The ineffective potty training cycle of ‘accident, punish, repeat’ sends the wrong message to a pup.
Therefore, it is essential to always stay one step ahead and clean up any messes quickly and completely using an enzymatic cleaner. This eliminates any odors that may attract your pup back to that area and make the potty training process much smoother and less of a challenge.
9. Neglecting Cues
One of the most common dog potty training mistakes is neglecting a dog’s cues. Dogs typically display behavior that signals they need to go, such as sniffing, whining, or going in circles.
When owners don’t pay attention to these signs, they miss the chance to take their puppies outside and praise them for their growth. Setting aside regular times to potty helps, but relying solely on a routine can result in accidents.
Bringing a dog outside on a leash and giving a potty command, such as “Go potty,” reinforces the link between what they need to do and the desired behavior. The key to successful potty training is to pay close attention to your dog’s cues. Praise them when they go outside, and always reinforce good behavior.
10. Overlooking Health Issues
One mistake dog owners often make when potty training their dogs is overlooking health issues. Dogs can have accidents for a variety of reasons, and many times it can stem from an underlying issue that the owner may not immediately recognize.
Some common issues include physical discomfort related to the urinary tract or intestinal problems, bladder control or special needs, or simply lack of access to or familiarity with the bathroom area.
To avoid these health issues, the first priority should be making sure your dog has regular vet checkups and that any medical ailments they may have are promptly treated.
If your pup starts having accidents, also don’t forget to check for triggers such as stress or changes in their routine. If these are addressed, chances are your pup’s potty problem can be solved quickly and without further complications.
11. Avoid These Dog Potty Training Mistakes
Dog potty training can be a daunting process, but there are ways to make it easier on both you and your pup. Avoid common dog potty training mistakes like punishing when accidents occur, not being consistent, and lack of supervision, as these can lead to frustration for you and your pup.
With the right guidance and understanding of the process, you and your pup can be on the path to success! Start your potty training journey now and find the best plan of action for you and your pup!
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