Woofpack Dog Training, LLC

When Nature Calls

“Potty Training” or “House Training” is something with which new dogs owners often struggle. You are not alone and this can certainly be a very frustrating issue. Your carpet, couch, or even your bed may be soiled by your dog simply trying to go to the bathroom or even marking their territory.

Things to Consider:

• Dogs, just like people, need to relieve themselves.
• Puppies are developing their urinary system and have different needs than adult dogs.
• There are medical issues that can cause urination issues.
• Dogs typically do not eliminate (go to the bathroom) in areas they consider living spaces or bedding.

Medical Issues:

No matter the age, size, or breed of your dog, there is always the possibility that a medical problem is contributing to your potty training issue. Multiple times people have come for potty training help and it turned out to be a urinary tract infection. Always let your vet know if your new dog or established pet suddenly develops new potty training issues. It’s worth checking. If they have a medical problem that is causing potty training issues, no amount of behavioral training is going to solve your problem. If you’ve tried multiple behavioral approaches and the problem is not improving, it’s very possible that your dog could have a medical problem that needs to be addressed by their veterinarian.

Breaking the Habit

1. Supervision is Key
   • Supervise your dog closely or keep them in a small, safe location like a crate or a small room. Make sure they do not have access to anything they could swallow or eat if you’re unable to watch them.
2. Learn the Signs
   • Circling, sniffing, and checking out the edges of rooms are very common signs that your dog needs to potty.
3. Providing Opportunities
   • Give your dog ample opportunity to go outside and potty.
4. Eliminate Distractions
   • Remove as many distractions as you can from the area where your dog will be eliminating.
5. Reward!
   • Take your dogs favorite toys or treats and reward them when they go outside, in the appropriate location!
6. Pee Pads?
   • No. Dogs don’t grow out of using pee pads. If you don’t want to use them, don’t let your dog practice using them.
   • Dogs develop a preference for the surface where they urinate/defecate. If you want that surface to be the grass outside, it’s going to take some effort up-front to show your dog that’s where they need to go.
7. Clean Appropriately
   • If your dog is caught going inside, make sure to avoid ammonia-based cleaners and use a canine urine cleaner.
8. Avoid Punishment for Going Inside
   • Dog try to be clean animals. They tend to look for soft, absorbent areas to eliminate. If your dog has peed or pooped inside, they don’t understand where they are supposed to go. The old “rub their nose in it” punishment can be confusing, especially if you haven’t had your dog very long or don’t have a good communication system.
   • Punishing your dog for pottying inside can create distrust and confuse your dog, making them think you don’t want them to go in front of you.
9. What if I Catch Them?
   • If you find your dog urinating or defecating inside, interrupt them by clapping or picking them up and take them outside to finish pottying.
10. It’s Not Forever!
    • Most of the time once you start addressing behavioral potty training issues with the tips above, dogs figure out where to go in a few weeks.
    • Up-front hard work can save you years of trouble with potty training accidents.
    • Keep track of how many accidents they’re having per day and if the problem is not getting better, check with your vet or your trainer for help!

Marking

Dogs (typically intact, non-neutered males) can be territorial markers. If your dog is marking, you can ask your vet about neutering to help lessen this habit and/or get in touch with your trainer to evaluate and determine how to best approach this issue.

*Any time your dog’s behavioral problem is not improving, changes must be made. Always let your trainer know if suggestions are not working! Training is different for every dog, every owner, and every situation and training plans may need to be adjusted and tailored to specific situations.

Stay tuned for more!