The Scottish terrier, affectionately known to its owners as a "Scottie," is generally a fun-loving dog with lots of energy. Scotties are highly intelligent but according to "Howell Book of Dogs," they can be stubborn because they are also independent. Once your Scottie is potty trained, it is unlikely he will have bathroom accidents but until then, patience, persistence and consistency are required.
Things You'll Need
- Small dog crate
- Soft bedding or pad
- Newspapers
- Piddle pads (optional)
Instructions
Choose a small crate, just big enough for your Scottie to stand up, turn around, lie down and stretch out. Furnish it with a soft pad or an old blanket that your dog will enjoy. You will use the crate as an aid in potty training your Scottie so make it comfortable. The more he likes his crate, the harder he will try not to soil it.
Begin potty training your Scottie as soon as you bring him home. Puppies younger than 5 months old should be given the opportunity to use the bathroom outside immediately after waking from a nap and after they finish eating or drinking. Set your dog down outside and instruct him to "Go potty." After he complies, praise him affectionately.
Monitor a young Scottie when he plays and put him in his crate when he needs a rest or you can't be near him. He should always be given the opportunity to potty outside before going to his crate. Resist leaving your dog in the crate for more than 1 hour during the day without an exercise and potty break.
Provide a secure nighttime spot for your Scottie where he can enter and leave his crate and use the bathroom on newspapers or a piddle pad until he can go 6 hours without an accident. A small bathroom is sufficient. Place his crate on one side and cover the floor with newspapers. Leave the door to his crate open. As your Scottie puppy gets older, he will physically be able to wait until morning to use the bathroom. As a puppy, he may not be able to.
Remove your dog's food bowl at least 2 hours before bedtime and allow him only a small drink of water. Eating and drinking prompt your dog to urinate and move his bowels so allow sufficient time between his last meal of the day and his bedtime.
Issue the immediate but gentle command of "Outside" if you witness your Scottie using the bathroom inside. The idea is to startle him slightly so you can carry him outside. However, do not yell or frighten him. A Scottie may resort to finding places to use the bathroom inside when he knows you're not looking.
Allow your older Scottie to remain in a closed crate overnight if experiences a few "accidents." Scotties are particular dogs and they do not like to soil their beds. Just make sure he is given the chance to potty outside immediately before crating him and let him out of his crate early in the morning.