Dog Training Tips: 4 Tricks for Potty Training Your Pooch

We have all been there, Fido looks up with his big brown puppy dog eyes full of guilt. You are angry and frustrated with what seems like a gallon of pee on your floor and there he is with his tail between his legs looking guilty as sin. Your dog knows you are angry, but what you may not know is why he thinks you are.

Chances are your dog knows you are upset from your body language, the screaming at him or perhaps even because you swatted him with a rolled up newspaper. Your dog knows you’re upset alright, but he thinks it is because there is pee on the floor not because he peed there. Dogs have no way of connecting the two because your corrections show up after the actual act and not during. Potty training can be a frustrating experience, but if you keep that little piece of dog psychology in while using the tips below you should be able to potty train in no time.

1. Be consistent. Keep in mind that dogs do not develop their "hold it" muscles until they are around twelve weeks old. Depending on the age of your puppy he will need to eliminate every 2 – 4 hours he is awake. Keeping this in mind, pick a routine and stick with it. Take your puppy outside as soon as he wakes up, be it in the morning or after a nap, and every single time he eats or drinks. If you stick to this routine every day your dog will get the point.

2. Keep him with you at all times. This might sound like a daunting task, but if you attach a long web leash to your waist you can keep track of your puppy at all times. The purpose of this is to observe your puppy and keep him from eliminating in the house in the first place. Anytime you see him travel in circles or start sniffing the ground he is getting ready to go. When this happens immediately scoop him up and get him outside. This might be inconvenient, but it is best to avoid letting your puppy potty in the house. The reason for this is that dogs are attracted to the smell of their urine and no matter how well you clean your pup will likely christen the same spot again and again.

3. Reward your puppy. If you are consistently taking him outside and watching for signs that he needs to go then chances are he is eliminating outside like a good boy. Every single time he goes outside like he is supposed to, praise him. Assign one simple phrase for what he did and use it every time. You could use potty, piddle, diddle or any variation you chose, just be consistent. Use your phrase every time he goes, "Good potty boy" and eventually you will just say the word potty and he will know it is time to go. When rewarding your puppy with treats always do so immediately. Carry them in your pocket and have one ready for the exact moment he finishes. If you wait to come in the house over to the treat jar to give him one he has no idea he is getting a treat for his good potty!

4. Make it fun for you and your pup. Avoid bringing him inside the moment he eliminates. Give him a treat, toss the ball a few times or give him a quick belly rub. Dogs love to explore the great outdoors and they will never get the chance if they always have to come in directly after doing their business. Believe it or not your dog will learn that if he takes longer to eliminate he will get to stay outside longer. This can be frustrating if you ever find yourself running late for work standing in the yard waiting for him to so his business.

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