Dog Potty Training - Different Techniques

Of course you're excited that you just got a new dog, and you want to teach him as much as you can as quickly as you can. But dog potty training should always be high on your priority list. Fail at this and you will be constantly frustrated at having to clean up mess after mess around your house. You'll cringe at the thought of ruined furniture and clothing and the smell will be enough to have you looking for a way out.

It is so important that you start this training as early as possible. Just the hygiene factors alone should be enough to convince you. Who wants to live in a toilet? That's essentially what you are doing if your dog does his business throughout the house.

There are, of course, several methods to potty train your dog. One is by simply restricting where he can go. We prefer a crate for this although many use a leash. In either case, the idea is to limit where he can go and it won't be long before the area where he can go is his personal space. Dogs rarely will do their business in an area they consider their own. His natural instinct is to control his urge until you let him out of the area. But please remember that your dog should not be in a crate for too long. And when you let him out, take him to his potty area and praise him when he does his business there.

Many people prefer the use of potty pads. These are pads designed specifically to encourage your pet to go on them. Place it in the position where you want him to go and he should go on the pad. Some people even make their own pad by dipping a small section of newspaper in their pet's urine and placing a lot of newspaper where they want their pet to go. Dogs obviously have very sensitive noses. Their sense of smell will draw them to their potty area.

Another way people potty train their dogs is simply keeping a close watch on him and taking note of his movements. You can usually tell when he feels the urge to go. Perhaps he'll start walking in circles, or sniffing or scratching the ground. Once you figure out the signs you pet give you, you can take him to the proper area one he exhibits those signs.

No matter what dog potty training technique you use, there are two things you should always remember. The first is that while learning there will be the occasional accident. Don't physically punish your pet for this, but do let him know his behavior is wrong. To do this you must catch him in the act or your punishment will be useless. The second thing to remember is always give him praise and affection when he does go in the proper place.

While this is not an easy process, it is not as difficult as most people make it. You just need to be consistent and firm when potty training your dog. Patience is key but your patience may seem like it will run out. Don't let it. Be firm. Give your dog love while he is going through the learning process. You will be repaid by having a pet that is well trained to go only where you want him to.

For the best information on not just potty training but all dog training, we highly recommend you check out Daniel Stevens' SitStayFetch program. Stevens is a professional dog trainer and has written what we feel is the best information available on the topic. And best of all, you can have his book in your hands in just minutes since you simply download it on to your computer. It comes with a complete money back guarantee so why take a minute and check it out. You'll be more than delighted that you did.

Or if you prefer watching videos to reading, you can't go wrong with Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online. This too comes with a complete money back guarantee and you can even check out a free sample lesson to help determine if this is the right method for you. Both training methods will help you have a well trained dog that you will be proud of.