Potty training your dog

Potty training or toilet training, is an important part of house training. If you will fail to complete this part of the process, your dog will eliminate wherever he wants and I don't think that is result you are after.

Establishing elimination spot.

You have to clearly determine where your dog will eliminate. This is the first thing you have to do, beginning his training before compleating this step is pointless.

The important thing is, once you choose the place, don't change it. Some of the dogs, may stay unaffected by such a change because they associate elimination with a litter box, but you don't want to risk confusing your dog. Make it as simple for him as you only can.

What kind of box to choose.

There is a wide range of dog elimination products. Anything from litter boxes, boxes with special paper or even boxes with real grass. You have an absolute freedom in choosing what kind of box you want. I personally like litter boxes, as special sand absorbs bad smells and is relativly easy to clean.

The one thing you have to keep in mind, especially with puppies, is that elimination boxes can create a life long surface preference. If you dog never eliminated on a grass, he may not be able to do it when it is needed. Same principle applies to paper and sand. That is why, you may want to get your puppy used to eliminating in various places. This way you make sure he won't get addicted to eliminating on one surface.

How to potty train your dog.

When you are prepared, you can start to potty train your dog. The most important part of potty training is establishing a routine you will follow. Every two hours or so, it depends on age of your dog, take your pet to elimination spot and use a voice command like: "do your business." This way, he will associate this command with eliminating and in future he will understand what you want from him.

You should stay completely emotionally detached from your dog while you are training him. Just take him to the spot, and say the command, if he wants to play or starts to bark, repeat the command using a firm voice. If you will play with your pupil during this times, he will get confused and won't know what you want him to do there.

Once your dog eliminates, you start to praise him. This creates a positive association between eliminating in this spot and positivity from you. You may also try using snacks, for even better results. After your dog eliminates just give him a snack and start to have fun with him.

The most important rule of potty training is, remaining consistent in your efforts. Even the most stubborn pets can learn they have to eliminate in designated spot. You just have to take advantage of power of repetition.

If you want to learn more about potty training your dog, I recommend reading another article connected to this topic called: What to do in case of an "accident." This text will teach you, how to behave when your dog doesn't follow your commands and how to avoid inresponsivness to your training.