Potty Training

*** WHEN THEY GO IN THE HOUSE YOU DID SOMETHING WRONG!!! ***

• This is a simple process, but it is still A LOT OF WORK. You need to successfully get them outside at least 90% of the time for this to work.

• One of the main reasons clients call a dog trainer or decide to get rid of the dog. This is very stressful for first-time dog owners.

RULES

• The dog must always be supervised (kennel when you cannot watch them). Or attach them to you via leash. Watch them closely.

• Follow the age guidelines for going outside (in this guide).

• Stay outside until they go potty. As long as it takes.

• Take up water and food 2 hrs before bedtime.

• Always go out before bed.

• NEVER get angry when the dog goes potty in the house. They will learn to hold it, do it when you are not watching, and then will try not to go in your presence when you are outside.

Reinforcement

o Reinforce your dog when they go potty.

o Must be high value treat (they love it).

o Mark "yes" when it starts to leave their body. This is a “bridge” that lets them know what they did right and tells them a treat is coming.

o Jackpot (a handful of treats) as soon as they are done, every time they are not under a roof.

What if they start to go?

o 3-4 months - if you see them doing it you may be able to stop them.

o Mark it "Hey" so they start to understand what behavior you are targeting.

o Get them out asap.

o DON'T BE MEAN.

Special areas

Where you want them to go (for apartments, people with disabilities etc).

o Block exit.

o Jackpot when they go. Mark the start of the flow (“yes”) and jackpot as soon as they are finished.

o Wait them out.

AGE GUIDELINES

•8-10 wks

o They need to get up in the night. After 10 wks they should be able to make it through the night. BUT: If they are restless in the night - take them out.

o Take them outside after:

After waking up AND THEN 30 min later

After eating

After drinking

After playing

After a nap

After zooming around like a maniac

If they are restless

Basically EVERYTHING!

•2 months - 2 hours (to be safe 1.5 hrs)

•3 months - 3 hours

•4 months - 4 hours

•etc.