Utilising “canine psychology”, Will Atherton recommended dog mum and dads to take advantage of “denning” behavioural instinct.
The dog trainer explained: “Dogs don’t like to have an accident in their den area, so when you bring your dog into your home, keep that area small.
“Keep your confined to it when you’re not watching them because we can tap into that [denning] nature.”
Will pointed out that too many people make the mistake of giving their new pup “way too much freedom” to roam the house.
If people give their pup full roam of the house too soon, “the dog will learn where their bed is and they’ll start to build a den around that space” and poop elsewhere in the home.
“If you utilise pens or crates, you’d stop them being able to go to that area [to poop] when you’re not watching.”
To set your dog up for success when it comes to potty training, once the dog’s den has been established, you now need to make it “super obvious” on where they should release themselves.
“This means taking your dog to their designated toilet area, usually the grass in your backyard, regularly; waiting and watching them…
“And the second they [go toilet], you need to be verbally praising them and giving them a treat [as soon as they’re done].”
Patience is also key, but Will urged: “Stick with it.” He added: “Between these first two tips, you’ll be 90 percent of the way there.”
The third and final tip to make sure your pup becomes “perfectly potty trained” is to take your puppy outside to go toilet during waking hours “on the hour, every hour”.
Will emphasised: “Set an alarm and be disciplined.” He also advised looking out for other signs that your pup may need the loo.
Pay attention to the following signs that your pup may need the loo:
- Having just drunk water
- Woke up from a nap
- Sniffing and circling the ground
“You’d be shocked at how easy it is to ensure your dog never has an accident in the house,” Will affirmed.
