Objective:
Teach your dog to relieve itself in designated areas by building a routine and reinforcing proper behavior.
1. Establish a Potty Routine
1. Take the dog out at regular intervals: first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, play, and before bed.
(Water digest, almost immediately. Food takes 8+ hours to digest.)
2. Use a designated potty spot and say a cue like “Go Potty.”
3. Reward immediately with praise and treats when they go in the correct spot.
2. Use Supervision and Crate Training
1. Supervise Closely: Watch for signs like sniffing or circling and take the dog out immediately.
(During this process whenever you are not supervising your dog, they should be in the crate
2. Crate Training: Use a properly sized crate. Dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area, encouraging them to wait. Take them outside as soon as they leave the crate.
(Refer to blog: https://www.elitek9service.com/post/how-to-complete-crate-training for crate training)
3. Handle Accidents Calmly
1. Interrupt if caught in the act and redirect the dog to the correct potty spot.
2. Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner to remove odors.
3. Avoid punishment—it confuses the dog and creates fear.
4. Reinforce Positive Behavior
1. Celebrate success every time the dog goes in the correct spot with treats and praise.
2. Maintain consistency by always using the same spot, schedule, and cues.
3. Gradually phase out treats as the dog becomes reliable, focusing on verbal praise.
5. Address Challenges
1. Regression: Return to basics and reinforce routines.
2. Nighttime Potty: Set alarms for puppies to go out during the night.
Key Tips:
•Stick to a consistent schedule and use clear cues.
•Reward successes immediately.
Focus on building habits, not punishing mistakes.
With consistency and patience, your dog will develop reliable potty habits.
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