Top Dog Toilet Training Tips
Toilet training is an essential part of any dog’s training and can help you to bond with each other, whether you are bringing home a puppy or an adult dog.
It is important to remember that not all dogs learn at the same rate. The odd accident during the first few months whilst your dog is settling in is completely normal.
It often takes a while before a dog is completely housetrained, especially with older dogs as it can take longer to change their habits.
Here are some dog toilet training tips to help you effectively house train your dog.
Establish a routine
It is important to get into a good daily routine as quickly as possible, then try your best to stick to this routine.
Having a routine will help your dog to know when to expect things to happen such as going to bed, going for a walk, getting fed, or going outside to the toilet.
Show them where to go
Show your dog where they should go. Make sure your dog is familiar with your garden or outdoor space and try to take them to the same spot each time you go out.
Reward good behaviour
Whenever your dog goes to the toilet in the right place, be quick to reward them with praise so they associate going to the toilet outside with positive reinforcement.
Take them out regularly.
You need to give your dog plenty of opportunities to do their business in the right place. You should take them out every two to three hours whilst they are learning to control their bladder.
Dogs are most likely to relieve themselves first thing in the morning after they wake up, after each meal, and whenever they get excited or nervous, such as when you get home or if you have visitors.
Recognise the signs
Even with taking your dog out regularly, it can take time for your dog to learn to hold it in so when they need to go, they will go. To prevent them from going to the toilet inside, you need to keep an eye on your dog and look out for any potential signs that they need to go.
Common signs to look out for include sniffing around, fidgeting, circling around, squatting, pacing, whining, and going to the door. If you notice your dog doing any of these things, try to get their attention and lead them outside. Wait patiently to see if they go to the toilet.
Never punish your dog
If your dog goes to the toilet in the wrong place, do not react negatively. You should not tell off your dog or punish them in any way.
This can have a negative impact on your relationship with them and make them anxious, which could result in them starting to go to the toilet out of sight due to fear of your reaction.
Accidents are likely to happen whilst they are learning, so be prepared and be patient. The best thing to do is to let them finish and clean up the mess when they are done.
It is important to be patient. Simply carry on following the dog toilet training tips above and your dog should be toilet trained soon enough.
If you are struggling with training your dog, WitsEnd is here to help. We have a team of professionals who will help you, through training and expert advice, to get the very best out of your pet.
Working with people from all over the country, we have had over 2000 success stories! To book an appointment or for more information, please call us on 0116 244 2455.