Overview
A number of factors come into play when you attempt to potty-train a dog. It is important to keep these factors in mind and not get frustrated with your pet for not learning more quickly. The good news is that there are various things you can do to promote speedier training in your pet. With some effort on your part, it should not take incredibly long to potty-train the dog.
Age
The age of the dog you adopt is a huge factor when it comes to potty training. A puppy that is only 2to 3 months old has a small bladder and limited understanding. A dog this age will have to be taken out at least every couple of hours to avoid accidents in the house. An older dog will be able to hold his bladder somewhat longer, and will therefore be less prone to accidents between the times he is let outside.
Considerations
Where your dog comes from can affect his potty-training success. Dogs that are kept in pet stores often eat, sleep, drink, play and relieve themselves in the same area. If they are at the pet store for a significant period of time, they may lose the instinct to not go to the bathroom where they sleep. For this reason, a dog purchased from a pet store may be more prone to having accidents in the house, and will take a longer time to train. Additionally, if you adopt a dog that has been kept outside and you are planning to make him an indoor pet, it will take him a bit longer to learn not to eliminate in the house.
Tools
The tools you use to help potty-train your dog will have a big impact on the speed of training. Using a crate can help reinforce that training, because most dogs will not go to the bathroom where they sleep. Leaving your dog in a crate while you are away from home will help. Do not leave a young puppy in a crate for extended amounts of time, because he will likely not be able to hold his bladder. Using treats when your dog eliminates outside will help reinforce this behavior and motivate her to want to go to the bathroom outside instead of in. Cleaning up any accidents with odor-eliminating solution will help remove the scent of your dog's urine from your home and decrease accidents. Nature's Miracle is a good brand of cleaner that is available at Petsmart.
Time
The time you spend potty-training your dog will affect his success. If you do not take him out on a regular basis, you are asking for accidents. If you are off and on with potty training, your dog will take much longer to get the hang of it.
Health
Older dogs can have issues like incontinence, and may require medication to help them hold their bladder. At the same time, if your young dog seems unable to hold her bladder or bowels for even short periods of time, take her to the vet. There may be an underlying issue.
