Potty Training Your Dog The Right Way
Purchasing and owning a dog can be one of the most enlightening experiences of your life. All across the world, dogs have been the pet of choice; they have been living alongside man for thousands of years. Unsatisfactory ownership, though, has left thousands of strays roaming our neighborhoods and city streets. As a result, dog pounds are filled to capacity and lack the monetary or nutritional reserves to handle the surplus. Abandoned animals often result in euthanasia or mercy killing.
One of the primary reasons for abandonment is the owner's inability to potty train their dog. Your dog training is a responsibility of ownership. It isn't for the lazy or easily discouraged. Dogs are befriended for several reasons. Dogs can be used on the farm, dogs for companionship, by the blind and handicapped, for protection, and much more. Whatever the purpose may be, every dog owner should consider himself responsible for training his dog. Failure to train your dog can lead to a negative relationship between animal and owner. This can ultimately lead to the dog being put up for adoption or being abandoned. Even if the dog is put up for adoption, the next owner could possibly abandon the dog when the same bad behaviors surface — behaviors that should have been corrected by its original caretaker.
Let's talk about dog housebreaking. This is essential and should always begin when the dog is a pup. Older dogs are stubborn and more difficult to teach. Puppies have a mentality that equates to them doing whatever they want when they want. Whether it be eliminating, urinating, playing, or sleeping, they will commit these acts as they please. Animals are without manners.
We make these requirements of them and therefore it is our responsibility to teach them.
As the owner, you must pick the right place for your dog to relieve itself before moving onto the actual potty training. Once the perfect spot has been chosen, potty training can commence.
Usually, owners allow their dogs to eliminate in their crate. This is acceptable as long as the crate is large enough to allow the dog to sleep on one side while relieving itself on the other side. The owner should be aware, that most dogs will not eliminate where they sleep and eat. If you want your dog to utilize your backyard or garden for pottying, you'll need to use a leash for guiding your dog. A leash keeps your dog close by and controllable. Puppies are naturally curious. Simple things like a bee or floating dust can distract it from its duty. A pull of the leash can go a long way toward reminding your dog of its primary focus.
After the puppy has done its business in the correct location, remember to praise it and give it a treat or some other type of reward. This will help your puppy associate food and praises with its good behavior — eliminating outside.
A final note: find a word to use and associate with eliminating. Your puppy should be able to connect a word with the action.
For this to occur, expect to repeat the words several times an occurrence. Repeat it always and until the association is made. Once the action has been finished, include words of praise with your choice of potty command. This will ensure your dog understands what going "potty" refers to. For example you can say, "good potty", and the name of your dog.
Have a great "dog training" day,
Dr. Alfonso
