Potty Training Problems

Puppy Potty Training Problems - How to Correct Them


If you're having puppy potty training problems (you might be having a hard time teaching an olde dog), then there are some simple solutions you can fix. Most of the common problems are pretty simple to fix, but don't get discouraged. Different breeds and different dogs pick up on training and commands at varying paces. As long as you are consistent, you'll help them learn where they can and cannot potty!

Problem #1: My Puppy Doesn't Potty When I Take Him or Her Outside

So you're doing everything right, and taking your puppy outside to potty but they don't seem to go. This is a common problem and all it means is that your little pup doesn't know what you expect of them! To fix this, you need to continue to take your puppy outside every hour to the same exact spot. While they're on they're spot, you should be using your potty command. Some people say, "Go potty" some people say, "Hurry". It doesn't matter what your word is, but you want to make sure you puppy gets used to hearing it each time they go outside.

If you are out there for a very long time (5-10 minutes) and your puppy still will not potty, take them back inside for a short time (no longer than 5-10) minutes. Then, take them right back outside and go through the process again. A puppy cannot hold their bladders for very long! As soon as they go on their spot, give them a ton of praise and a treat, too! You want them to think that they just did the best thing in the world!

So anytime your puppy doesn't go potty when you take them outside, you just need to take them inside for a bit and do it again! They have to go sometime!

Problem #2: I Work So I Can't Be With My Puppy All Day

A lot of people have the problem where they can't be at home with their puppy all day and so they have no choice but to keep them in a pen or in the bathroom. That doesn't mean you can't succeed with puppy house training! It will be more challenging and take a little longer for you to show your dog where their specific potty area is, but it can be done.

You will have to make use of a tool like an indoor toilet or pee pads when you can't be around, but that is the only time you should use them.

The main purpose of puppy toilets and pee pads are to help you avoid messes and save you the trouble of constantly having to pee. They also help to prevent your puppy from thinking that it is ok to potty in the house. They aren't magic and won't house train your dog. Not allowing them to pee anywhere they want is just about the best you can do when you are away all day.

When you are home, you're going to have to devote your time to the house training process. Never let your little guy roam around your house unsupervised! That is when accidents happen! Instead, keep your puppy near you at all times, whether that means they are in their crate or their pen or just on a leash by your side.

Take them out every 50 to 60 minutes and give them a chance to go. When they are still really young, you need to wake yourself up one or two times each night. Remember, they just can't hold it very long!

Eventually, even though you are only at home for a small part of the day, your puppy will learn that pottying outside leads to praise and treats, and using their pee pads is the next best thing for when they can't hold it. As your dog gets older, they'll be able to go the entire day without a problem. The main thing is that you're never allowing them to think it's ok to potty wherever they want in the house!

Problem #3: Potty Training Older Dogs is Hard!

Whether you are deciding to house train your dog after having them for years or you just got one and want to keep them inside, potty training the older ones is a challenge! The reason it is so hard is because they are set in their ways. Not only do you need to help them learn the right habits, you're going to have to correct their current behavior.

Right now, your dog sees nothing wrong with going potty wherever they feel like it. It's what they are used to! That is something that you need to keep in your mind as you try to train them. It would be like if someone suddenly told you that you should never use a toilet again. wouldn't that feel weird? Wouldn't it be hard to stop thinking of the toilet as the place to relieve yourself?

It's no different for a dog, and that is why you have to be patient!

The best thing that you can do is make it seem much more attractive to potty outside then to go inside. You will need to let them spend a lot of time outside for this to work since they can hold it for much longer than puppies. The minute that you see them relieve themselves, you need to praise them heavily and give them a tasty treat. After a couple of times doing this, your dog will realize that a good way to get a treat is to potty outside.

For the times that your dog is on the inside of your house, you are going to need to supervise them like you would a puppy. When you see them crouch and get ready to potty, you need to jump in and tell them to stop. Older dogs have a very easy time holding it so if you say, "Stop!" or "Hold it!" And quickly lead your dog outside you will avoid the mess.

Your dog might be a little confused at first and not potty outside. That is ok, you just need to be patient with them. Eventually they'll stop holdig it and relieve themselves. As soon as they do this, give them that reward and praise they love so much! Your dog will start to understand that even though they are used to going potty anywhere they want, it's much better to do it outside!

So you see, while you can't count on older dogs to need to potty every hour or so, you can count on them to hold it in for a very long time. Use that to help redirect their behavior and you'll have them house trained in no time!

There are many potty training problems but they all usually stem from a lack of consistency on the owner's part. As long as you keep puppies in your site, give them ample opportunities to go, and reward them heavily when they succeed, you can train any breed in a couple of weeks or less. For older dogs, the same is true. It's well worth the effort, because as your dogs get older and more obedient, you will get to the point where you won't have to keep them under your constant supervision! That day will come soon with dedication and patience!

 


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