One of the  biggest training obstacles new dog owners face is how to house train, or potty train, their dog. This can be a frustrating time for you and your dog...but with a little bit of insight, some knowledge and tips for success, it doesn't have to be!

I have worked with puppies, as well as older dogs, and all can be house trained. Here are signs to look for, that you may be missing, that signal it is time for a "potty break."

1. Pacing the floor
2. Worried or intense look on face (wrinkled fore head)
3. Sniffing the ground intently all of a sudden
4. Hunched hind quarters, back end
5. Whining for "no reason"
6. Frantically walking back and forth, circling or such

These are tell tale signs that your dog or puppy has to go, now!

There are certain times that you should always take your puppy or dog outside during the house training process, and later on as well. It is important to recognize these important times, to avoid accidents in the crate (if you crate train), or in the house if you don't supervise.

These times are:

1. After eating. Many puppies go potty under 30 minues after eating. Some need to go immediately. Keep a journal and log how long after meals your pup or dog goes, and this will help greatly later.
2. Right after waking up from a nap, or night time sleep.
3. During play time. Interrupt play time for a potty break, to ensure your dog is not so into his romp with you or toys, that you miss the signs, or he doesn't signal.

Here are some very important tips that can make house training smoother, more successful and less stressful for both you and your pet:

1. Never paper train. Always take your dog or pup out on leash to a designated area.
2. When the pup or dog begins to potty (pee or poo) say "Go Potty." With consistancy, your dog will learn to go on command.
3. Do not free feed! Give your pup or dog scheduled feeding times. What goes in on a schedule, comes out on a schedule.
4. Track feeding times and potty times in a journal, to help you avoid accidents.
5. Feed a high quality food which will be more digestible by your dog or pup, and this means your pet will need to "go" less.
6. Never leave your dog in a crate, or locked in a house longer than necessary. The rule of thumb is 1 hour for every month of age, as that is about how long the pup can hold himself. Do not go over 8 hours without giving your dog a potty break. It's best to have someone come and let your dog out midday (if you work) to keep your pet happy and healthy!
7. Make sure you clean up all and every potty accident in your home with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle, so that your pet will not smell the "accident" and revisit the scene for another deposit!
8. Never yell, hit, scold, or punish your pup for an accident, especially if you do not catch your pup or dog, in the act. It will not understand that you are mad about where the "potty stuff" is, and will only learn to fear you. If you do not see the dog use the bathroom, put your dog out immediately and let him relieve himself. Go back in, and quietly clean the mess. If you catch your dog in the middle of it, firmly and authoritatively say "Ah, Ah" and take your pup outside to finish his business.
9. Say "Go Potty" as soon as your dog starts to potty out doors.
10. Allow your dog to "relieve himself" several times, as they do not always empty their bladder fully the first time. I have a dog here now that can go 6 times without emptying his bladder, in a span of about 20 minutes, to give you an idea.
11. When your pup or dog uses the bathroom outside, say "Good dog," but not in an excited tone, as this can interrupt your dog and they will lose focus on the task at hand. This means they will not finish using the bathroom.

I am the founder of Liberty Dog Training and it is my goal to keep dogs with their families and out of shelters. Most reasons dogs are given up can actually be over come with guidance, patience, and diligence. Potty training is one of those issues that can be worked through, meaning your and your pet will have a life time of fond memories to share.

Put Your Best Paw Forward,

Monique