Outdoor Potty Training Advice

By Alex Greenwood

No matter what kind of a dog you have, one of the most difficult tasks you will be faced with is potty training your dog. As with kids, it takes time to potty train your dog and help them learn where the appropriate place to go to the bathroom is. If you are going to have any luck at all, you have to start by taking them out frequently.

Even and older newly adopted dogs, needs to know and get used to where it is you want them to go. Take them outside as much as possible and try to stay with them so they know this is where they are supposed to go. By staying with them you'll make them feel comfortable and safe. They will soon realize that this is the place to do their business.

Although we all wish our puppies could hold it for an eight hour period, the fact of the matter is they cannot. It is up to you to keep an eye on your puppy as all it takes is a few seconds for them to do their business. By watching any warning signs or hints that they may need to go outside, you will be able to stop them before they go.

It is important you do not vary their diet while potty training your dog. This will create a change in their system which will ultimately fluctuate their bathroom cycle. Maintaining a consistent diet will help them get used to the food they are eating allowing their stomach to properly digest the food.

Although every parent wants to give their little puppy treats for being cute, make sure you are only giving them treats for going into the crate. Too many treats will mess with their diet as well. For this reason, keep your treat-giving to a minimum.

Something that many people do not do is associate their dog with the words "go outside!" It is imperative you take your dog on walks to give them more exercise. Every time you are going to take them for a walk, you want to ask them if they want to go outside. In addition, learn to say this every time you let them out to go to the bathroom. This will help them realize it is time to go to the bathroom.

The last tip to help you with potty training your dog is praising them every time they do go outside. Reinforcing good behavior will help them realize where the appropriate place to go to the bathroom is. Punish them for going inside and praise them when they alert you that they need to go outside.

A true accident is no one's fault but our own, if their diet was changed or were not let out in time, or were frightened by something, you can hardly blame the dog. Use your common sense, a few small, healthy treats and lots of love and you'll have your puppy trained in no time.

If your dog's behavior persists or get worse, you might want to call in the top guns. Check out other in-depth training practices that will teach you much more than the basics covered here.

About the Author:

Alex is a freelance graphic artist & marketing pro with a love of writing and pets. She has a long and special history with pets and has taken note of what works and what doesn't when training them. If you enjoyed this article, check out her website Henri's Online Dog Obedience School or visit her blog Henri's Pet Tips, Tips & Trivia.

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