Everything you Need to Know to EASILY Potty Train Your Dog or Puppy! Episode 17

TL;DR

Learn effective steps for potty training your dog using crate training.

Transcript

a question that I'm commonly asked is how do I buy a train my dog and it's much easier than you may think if you follow these proven steps step number one you're going to have to create train your dog now crate training a dog is not just about getting a dog comfortable in a crate but rather using it as a tool to teach the dog what behaviors are acc... Read More

Key Insights

• Crate training is essential in teaching dogs acceptable behaviors inside the house. It helps them learn where to go to the bathroom.
• Avoid creating anxiety by placing dogs in the crate only when leaving the house. Use the crate randomly to prevent pattern recognition.
• The crate size should allow the dog to stand, turn, and lay down. This discourages them from going to the bathroom inside.
• Follow a rule of thumb for crate time based on age: one hour per month of age, up to eight hours at night.
• Introduce a bathroom command like 'go potty' and reward the dog for going outside to reinforce positive behavior.
• If a dog doesn't go potty within three minutes, return them to the crate and try again after 20 minutes.
• Setting dogs up for failure allows immediate correction and teaches them the desired behavior more effectively.
• Positive reinforcement is key; reward dogs immediately when they go potty outside to speed up the training process.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does crate training help in potty training a dog?

Crate training helps in potty training by teaching the dog to hold their bladder and recognizing acceptable bathroom locations. By using a crate that is just big enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lay down, the dog learns not to go to the bathroom where they sleep or eat, which reinforces the behavior of going outside.

Q: What is the recommended crate time based on a dog's age?

The recommended crate time is based on the dog's age: one hour per month of age. For example, a three-month-old puppy should not be crated for more than three hours. This guideline helps ensure the dog can comfortably hold their bladder and prevents accidents inside the crate, promoting effective potty training.

Q: Why is it important to use a command for going to the bathroom?

Using a command like 'go potty' is important because it establishes a verbal cue that the dog associates with the action of going to the bathroom. This helps reinforce the behavior and makes it easier for the dog to understand what is expected of them, leading to quicker and more effective potty training.

Q: What should you do if the dog doesn't go potty outside within the given time?

If the dog doesn't go potty outside within the given three-minute window, return them to the crate and wait for 20 minutes before trying again. This process helps reinforce the expectation that going outside is for bathroom breaks, and it prevents the dog from associating going outside with playtime alone.

Q: How does setting a dog up for failure aid in training?

Setting a dog up for failure allows for immediate correction when they make a mistake. By catching them in the act of going potty inside, you can correct the behavior and show them the desired action of going outside. This method helps the dog quickly learn the correct behavior and speeds up the training process.

Q: Why is positive reinforcement crucial in potty training?

Positive reinforcement is crucial in potty training because it rewards the dog for desired behavior, reinforcing their actions. By immediately praising and rewarding the dog when they go potty outside, you strengthen the connection between the action and the reward, encouraging the dog to repeat the behavior in the future.

Q: What should you do if the puppy goes potty inside the house?

If the puppy goes potty inside the house, calmly say 'no' and take them outside immediately. Once they finish going potty outside, reward them with praise and treats. It's important not to punish the puppy, as this can create fear and confusion. Instead, focus on reinforcing the desired behavior of going potty outside.

Q: How can you prevent a dog from becoming anxious about being in the crate?

To prevent a dog from becoming anxious about being in the crate, avoid only using the crate when leaving the house. Instead, randomly place the dog in the crate throughout the day, even when you're home. This prevents the dog from associating the crate with being left alone and reduces anxiety related to pattern recognition.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Crate training is crucial for potty training, teaching dogs where to go to the bathroom and what behaviors are acceptable inside the house. By using the crate randomly, you prevent anxiety and pattern recognition, making the dog comfortable. The crate should be just big enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lay down.

• When potty training, take the dog out of the crate and to the desired bathroom spot on a leash. Use a command like 'go potty' and reward them for going outside. If they don't go, return them to the crate and try again after 20 minutes, reinforcing the desired behavior.

• Setting dogs up for failure allows for immediate correction, teaching them the desired behavior. Positive reinforcement is crucial; reward dogs immediately when they go potty outside to speed up the training process. Follow age-based crate time guidelines for effective potty training.