Potty Training Methods for Dogs

It is important to begin potty-training a puppy or mature dog as soon as it enters the home. With different potty-training methods and materials, it can be difficult to determine the most effective process. Pet owners should evaluate the resources available to discover the best way to house-train their dog. Additionally, remember that canines learn by habitual, consistent actions. Embrace a potty-training technique and utilize the resource as the calm, assertive pack leader of the home.

A dog crate is a portable, wire cage structure that serves as a positive, controlled environment for a dog. Many owners like the dog crate because it reduces in-house soiling, protects the home environment and keeps an unsupervised dog out of trouble. Purchase a crate appropriate for the size of your puppy once it fully grows. However, while the pet is still small, separate the crate with a cardboard box to prevent the dog from soiling on one side and sleeping on the other. When utilizing a crate to potty-train a dog, it's important to follow a consistent, repetitious schedule. Each time the dog is released from its crate, take it immediately outside to go to the bathroom, commanding it to "go potty." Once it relieves, tell it "good dog" and reward it with affection and a treat. A pet canine should not be released into the backyard on its own, as it needs the positive reinforcement from its pack leader to be effectively housebroken. Additionally, a dog should have the opportunity to go potty before it is put into the crate for a short period of time. The crate should be reinforced as a safe, happy place for your pooch.

Potty-training pads and trays are pretreated to promote dog elimination in specific areas of the home, protecting expensive rugs, carpets and furniture. These supplies are readily available at retailers and online vendors nationwide and are relatively inexpensive to purchase (even dog expert Cesar Millan has a line of housebreaking trays and liners). Housebreaking pads are generally used for very young puppies. If utilizing puppy training pads and trays, be watchful of puppy elimination signs (such as circling) and move the animal to the attractive-smelling, pretreated area. When it goes potty, the puppy receives praise and playtime. Over a successful period of time, these resources should be moved close to the door, and eventually outside. As a transitional tool, training pads and trays are designed to isolate potty instances and protect the home environment. However, some believe that they extend the length of the housebreaking training process. Follow a training method that seems effective for you and your dog.

As soon as a dog is brought home, begin leadership exercises to build trust between you and your pooch. Practice training obedience commands--such as sit, down and heel--to enforce that you are the pack leader. Remain calm and assertive at all times. Additionally, dog training experts suggest feeding dog a high-quality dry canine food on a regular schedule. While access to fresh water should be provided all day long, try not to give your dog lots to drink right before bedtime. Additionally, if you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, ensure your pooch goes outside right before bedtime and when you wake up. The consistency of going outside develops the trust between you and your pet and assists in solidifying the housebreaking process. Puppies should be taken outside within an hour after eating a meal, after an active playtime and upon waking from a nap. Be watchful of dog elimination signs in the house--such as circling or sniffing--to prevent accidents. Remember that puppies are prone to make mistakes; should the puppy go potty in the house, firmly tell it "no" and take it outside. Ensure you clean, disinfect and deodorize all soiled regions to prevent the dog from re-marking the area. Never harm or yell at your dog. Painful punishment will not make your puppy housebroken more quickly. Following repetitious, encouraging training techniques can reap positive housebreaking results in just a few weeks. Stay positive, loving and provide your dog with consistent, healthful care.