Mistakes to Avoid When Potty Training a Dog

When potty training a dog, the last thing you want to do is halt its progress or cause it to become confused because of something you've done. Anything from being impatient to misunderstanding the dynamics of potty training a pooch can cause problems. Educate yourself on the potential pitfalls so you can avoid making mistakes while potty training.

  1. Too Much Freedom

    • One mistake people make when potty training a dog is to give the dog too much freedom and room to roam around the house. A dog could decide at any time that it needs to relieve itself, and if you let it have the run of your house, you end up with accidents everywhere. When potty training, it's important to confine your dog when you can't supervise it closely. Placing it in a crate between potty sessions is helpful. Play with the animal after it has relieved itself to allow it to exercise and enjoy your attention and affection before placing it back into the crate. Make sure the crate is not too big or the dog might feel comfortable going to one end and using it as a potty before retreating to the other end. If you tie the animal outside and it goes to the potty, but you're not there to praise it, it won't reinforce that you want it to repeat the behavior.

    Lack of Schedule

    • When potty training, you don't want to wait too long between potty breaks or your dog might have an accident. When you get up in the morning, take your dog outside to potty. Wait an hour or two and then take it outside again. Take the dog outdoors after it eats its meals because it will likely need to go. Once you get into a routine, your dog will come to expect regular potty breaks. Do not feed your dog or let it drink too much water a couple of hours before bedtime so you can avoid accidents.

    Ineffective Punishment

    • If your dog has an accident in your house, do not lead it to the area and rub its nose in the waste. This is not effective and it probably won't understand. The dog might even try to find hidden places in your home to do its business so it won't get into trouble. If you lead the dog over to the urine or feces after the fact and berate it for its behavior, it won't understand why you are treating it in such a way. The best time to address potty problems is when they happen. If you catch your dog in the act of going to the potty, scoop it up and take it outside to the designated area. Tell it firmly, "Go potty." It will understand that you want it to potty outside, not indoors.

    Not Noticing Cues

    • Dogs give cues that they are getting ready to eliminate. Some dogs begin to run and sniff the ground; others turn in circles; others slowly meander around the room, nose to the ground. It's important to supervise the dog so that you notice these cues. When you do, pick it up or lead it toward the door saying, "Let's go potty." Take it outside and tell it, "Go potty." After it finishes, praise it so it understands that you like the behavior.