It’s Potty Time: Getting Your Pup To “Go”

Save to notebook Email article Print article More articles

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

When we think of or hear the term “potty training”, most of us immediately think of toilet training a baby. But, what if that “baby” is your precious pup?

According to experts, while YOUR ultimate goal may be to keep your floors and carpets clean, just like training a baby, pups “go” when they have to “go”, making your task and your labour of love more challenging. Still, teaching your pooch to “go potty” is very rewarding, after all the hard work is done. And, just like dealing with a child, it’s imperative to keep your cool.

Experts suggest applying the same (or similar) strategies that you would for your baby, approaching each “lesson” with love and patience. And, they add you should refrain from punishing your pup for actions he or she can’t yet control. They note that just like dealing with kids, or in much the same manner as your parents dealt with you, punishment often only antagonizes the party being punished, especially if the punishment doesn’t fit the “crime”. Instead they suggest taking an alternative approach pointing out the positives rather than the negatives. Focus on success, rather than failure and make sure to praise your pup for a job well done. Just think how you feel when instead of being reminded what you didn’t do, you are “congratulated” and acknowledged for “doing it”. In fact, giving your pup a “pat on the back” (or on the head) will lead him to continue to WANT to behave in this attention getting way.

Experts add, that “positive reinforcement” works on dogs as well as it does on humans and they urge pet owners to learn to read their puppy’s signals when he or she has to go potty. They note that it’s not enough to just “let him/her out” and keep them there until they “go” Instead they suggest proper training and learning what is expected and what is and is not accepted. And, if you need help, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. You and your pooch will be happy for it.

Long Island Pets Articles > It’s Potty Time: Getting Your Pup To “Go”