Post your potty training tips here!

Sister · 09-05-2006, 01:51 PM

Post your tips for housebreaking your dog here. I think everyone does this a little differently and I'd love to see what works for people. Housebreaking my pug was a long ordeal that took over two years to complete.

Alpha · 09-11-2006, 03:57 PM

I won't go through my whole repetoire, cuz it's long

But basically, what's most important with my version of potty training, is it is all positive. All dependent on verbal praise and high value treats. Sometimes they would get a verbal reprimand, but never more than once, not screaming, just a firm "NO!".

The second most important thing, was taking them out as much as possible. We got my boy very young, and he was going out 3 or 4 times in a hour. Sure, of course he didn't go everytime, but he got used to the idea of going out. If he did go outside he got tonnes of verbal praise and a treat immediately.

alsoran · 09-11-2006, 07:58 PM

i actually just made a potty training video today.

YouTube - Potty Training - Alsoran Dog & Pony Show

ha

sheltieluver · 09-12-2006, 09:58 AM

I don't know if some breeds are easier to train than others, but my sheltie was trained in one week, and never crate trained. What worked for me is I would let her sleep with me at night and first thing in the morning BEFORE she would even try to jump down I would pick her up and bring her immediately outside to go. I was always there with her making sure she did something. She got a lot of praise and treats and soon associated the rewards with going to the bathroom outside. I kept a schedule as far as feeding and when she was taken out. Always made sure I watched to see she did something so she was praised for it. A good long walk in the morning helped too as she slept while I was at work in the morning.

Sister · 09-12-2006, 01:07 PM

Trained in a week? That's amazing! I've heard that pugs can be hard to housebreak. Are there any other pug owners on here?

alundy · 09-12-2006, 03:14 PM

- We used a crate
- She slept in the crate & was in there ANYTIME I couldn't watch her every move. That includes while showering, having a nap, etc. I found those small moments were the times she would sneak downstairs and drop a little something on the rug.
- Keep the crate small enough that they can jsut lay down and turn around. No extra space.
- Do not leave water in the crate if that is feasible.
- When it's time to go out, put her on a leash, walk her to the designated spot, and use the phrase. We used "hurry up!". No playing, wandering, or exploring is allowed until the deed is done - then lots of treats and rewards when she does!