Potty training has evolved over the years. When I was I child, we were told to rub the dog’s nose in the mess - now that practice is frowned upon. Today the experts are favoring a reward/praise method to train your dog to do almost anything including potty training. The most important thing to remember when potty training your dog is to be consistent. Dogs thrive on routine, and it is important to set up a potty routine with your puppy right away.

Basic Training

First you should designate an area of the yard as the “Potty area”. Second you should decide on a specific command that you will give every time you want the dog to go to the bathroom. Common commands are “potty time” or “go potty” or “get busy”. The point is you have to be comfortable saying this out loud and often in public places. You should also decide on how you would like to reward your dog for doing what it is told.

First thing in the morning, take the dog outside to the potty spot and in a firm (not angry or demanding) voice give the command. Be patient, it might take the dog a little while to decide that they are ready to go. Puppies are easily distracted, and may need a gentle reminder. When they do relieve themselves, give the command again and then praise them. (You should always speak in a higher pitch voice when praising a dog.) At this point give them the reward, and bring them back inside.

You should take the puppy outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, before play and before bedtime. They should also be taken outside during the night.

It is recommended that you do not vary your routine while the puppy is still learning. Always take them out the same door to the potty spot. Always give the command and praise them when they do it correctly. Bring them back inside after they have gone potty. This will help keep them from being confused about the reason they went outside. If you are consistent, your dog will learn quicker and it will be easier on both of you.

Signs Your Dog Needs to "Go"

• they are sniffing the ground
• they are turning in circles
• they are sitting at the door you take them out of when they go potty
• they are whimpering or crying
• they start squatting or lifting their leg

Accidents

Accidents are bound to happen, and you should be prepared for them.

Don't Get Angry!

If you walk into a room and find that the puppy left you a “present” you cannot get mad. Dog’s have a short memory, and will not be able to remember leaving the mess. They will not understand why you are upset with them. Just clean up the mess, and watch for the signs you dog needs to go outside.

Don't Rub Their Nose In It!

This serves no purpose. It is unsanitary, and again the dog will not understand why you are being so forceful and hostile.

Catching Them in the Act

Okay, so you walk in your living room and see your puppy mid-act, what can you do? Experts say you can only correct them if you catch them in the act, and here is how you should do it:

Distract Them

Make a loud abrupt noise. Try clearing your throat, clap your hands or give a clear “uh-uh”. It is important to have a firm noise that you can make easily at any time to tell them they are doing something wrong. Avoid yelling and saying no, as that may make them fearful.

Take Them to the "Potty Spot"

Let them finish the job outside. When they do lavish them with praise. Then go inside and clean up the mess.

If you have to leave your puppy alone for extended periods of time, be sure to keep them in an area of the house that is easy to clean. And remember, you can’t get mad if you weren’t there to prevent this from happening in the first place.