Dog Potty Training for Beginners - By: Allan Michael Taylor

Dogs, like humans, are also potty-trained. And the amount of work done by mommies when they toilet train those little toddlers is almost as much effort too when it comes to dog training. The best time to teach a dog how to do its "thing" is when it's still a puppy. The earlier the dog is potty-trained, the more likely it will develop the habit of pooping and peeing in the right place. Thus, saving the owner earlier from the pesky job of cleaning dog clutter.

Eight-week old puppies are best to train, because they're not too young nor too old, and thus the chance that they may get into the habit of going outside to do their "thing" is increased. Indeed, to potty train a puppy is no simple work. It requires patience, understanding, and perseverance from the owners, especially for beginners. One should not expect to have a housebroken puppy overnight, maybe a couple of months or so are the time needed for a puppy to really get into the habit.

Dog potty training is even made more difficult if the trainer or dog owner is a newbie. Of course, a newbie needs some orientation and adjustment time first to really embrace the new pet owner role that he or she has to play. It is quite normal for beginners to feel a bit frustrated about their pups, especially if the cuddly thing poops on the floor. Unfortunately, some beginners, after getting frustrated with their yet untrained puppies let go of the role so easily, which results to those poor pups being donated to a shelter. This event is so disheartening to think. Beginners must always heed that adopting a dog is not just about the cuteness and the "fun" part. One must also bear in mind the responsibilities that come thereafter.

On the other hand, enduring a dog's potty training is not really hideously difficult. What a beginner needs to have are just simple dog training tricks and tips on how to do the dog or puppy training right. The following tips are good training starters, as these are easy for beginners to understand and follow.

Tip #1: Good timing is very important. To make the puppy develop the habit of pooping outside, take it out as soon as it wakes up in the morning, right after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, after naps, after snack, before bedtime, and when it whimpers at night. These time slots are the usual periods wherein a dog would want to poop or pee.

Tip #2: Words can communicate. When the puppy pees outside, praise it. When it poops on the floor, neither praise nor get mad at it. Just ignore the pup and silently clean its poop. Praising the dog frequently for a job well done is a positive reinforcement. Giving dog treats is also desirable. This will register to the dog that pooping or peeing outside equates to praises and food. On the other hand, it's not advisable to spank the dog for a bad behavior; this may trigger its hostility. Frequently repeating the word "outside" too is helpful for conditioning the dog that "outside" is the proper place to poop and pee.

Tip #3: Consistency is key. Bear in mind that consistency is the main key to get the dog to be potty trained - as what is basically being developed in the dog is its "habit." It may be a bit difficult at first to take the dog repeatedly outside, but if the pooch finally gets into the habit... poof! The housebreaking problems would gradually disappear.

Finally, what a beginning pet owner would really need to remember when having a dog potty training is that love for the puppy is the greatest factor that will get one into and out of the whole dog potty training process.

About the Author

L Jovindah is an author who is passionate about animals and dogs in particular. She has helped many with dog training through her articles and helpful information. To find out more about dog training and L Jovindah visit her website at http://www.fulldogtraining.com/

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