Last Resort for Dog Potty Training: When All Else Fails
If you’re struggling with potty training your dog, you may be wondering what your last resort is. Dog Ownership Guide understands the frustration and disappointment that comes with failed housetraining, but there’s still hope for you and your furry friend.
In this article, we’ll discuss common reasons why puppy potty training fails, such as inconsistent schedules, improper crate sizing, and lack of a dedicated bathroom spot. We’ll also provide tips on how to succeed with a training program and address issues that may be making housetraining difficult. Finally, we’ll explore what options you have when it comes to the last resort for dog potty training, including related articles and products.
The Last Resort for Dog Potty Training Starts Here
If you’re struggling to potty train your furry friend, it’s time to understand why. There are several reasons why the potty training process may fail, including health issues like UTIs or behavioral problems. Once you identify the cause, you can start coming up with solutions for success. Consider using a combination of traditional techniques and last resort options, like crate training or hiring a professional dog trainer. Remember, patience and consistency are key in the business of dog potty training.
Why Puppy Potty Training Fails
When it comes to potty training your puppy, there are several factors that can lead to failure. Here are some of the most common reasons why puppy potty training fails:
Inconsistent Daily Schedule
Dogs thrive on routine and consistency. If you haven’t been following a consistent schedule, this may be the reason why your puppy’s potty training has failed. Most dog training professionals advise taking a new puppy out every 1-2 hours starting in the morning. A puppy should also be let out after eating or drinking and sleeping. By following a regular schedule, your puppy will start to recognize when it’s time to go outside to use the potty.
The Crate Is Too Large
Crates should be just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too large, your puppy may use one end as a bathroom and the other end as a sleeping area. This defeats the purpose of crate training, which is to encourage your puppy to hold it until they can be taken outside.
Leaving Puppy in the Crate Too Long
Leaving your puppy in the crate for too long can lead to accidents and setbacks in potty training. A good rule of thumb is to not leave your puppy in the crate for longer than their age in months plus one hour. For example, if your puppy is three months old, they should not be left in the crate for more than four hours at a time.
Undeodorized Potty Spots
If your puppy has an accident inside, it’s important to clean it up thoroughly to remove all traces of scent. Otherwise, your puppy may continue to use that spot as a bathroom. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet messes to ensure that all traces of odor are eliminated.
No Dedicated Bathroom Spot
Dogs need a consistent bathroom spot to associate with their bathroom breaks. Take your puppy to the same spot every time they need to go outside, and use a cue word or phrase to signal that it’s time to go potty. This will help your puppy understand what’s expected of them and make potty training easier.
By addressing these common reasons for potty training failure, you can set your puppy up for success and make the potty training process smoother and more effective. Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive, and your puppy will be potty trained in no time!
How to Succeed with a Training Program
When it comes to housetraining your puppy, frequent potty breaks are crucial. If you cannot take your puppy out to use the potty, consider hiring a dog walker to take your puppy out as much as possible. Avoid using potty pads as they may create confusion and your puppy may associate them with the place to go use the bathroom. Instead, consider taking a used potty pad outside to associate the outside with the bathroom spot.
Puppy classes may not focus on housetraining, but a professional dog trainer with a training program for housebreaking dogs may be an option. A dog trainer can guide you through the process of housetraining your puppy using positive reinforcement methods.
Consider teaching your puppy to ring a bell – a potty bell – when it’s time to go to the potty spot. This may help in situations where your puppy doesn’t know how to communicate the need to relieve themselves.
Always give verbal praise and treats after using the bathroom spot. Verbal praise and treats are positive reinforcements that are effective. Be sure to continue using them until there are no potty accidents at all. This may take some time, so patience is key.
In addition to positive reinforcement, supervision is important. Keeping your puppy on a leash outside while training, even in a fenced yard, will help you monitor the situation and prevent accidents.
Lastly, timing is crucial. Establish a consistent feeding schedule and morning routine for your puppy. Take your puppy out for potty breaks after meals, playtime, and naps. Set a bedtime routine and stick to it. With patience and consistency, your puppy will learn to use the bathroom spot in no time.
Issues Making Housetraining Difficult
When housetraining your dog, there are several issues that can make it difficult for them to learn proper elimination habits:
- Medical Issues: Older dogs or dogs with medical issues like urinary tract infections (UTI) may find it hard to hold their bladder, leading to accidents in the house.
- Separation Anxiety and Stress: Dogs with severe separation anxiety or those in stressful situations like moving to a new home may have accidents due to anxiety.
- Confinement Issues: Some dogs may not handle being in a crate or confinement area well, causing anxiety and making it hard for them to hold their urine.
- Bad Habits: Adopted adult dogs or older dogs may have developed bad habits in their previous homes, such as relieving themselves inside the house with or without puppy pads. Retraining your dog to develop good elimination habits will take time and positive reinforcement.
- Lack of Crate Training: If your adopted adult dog or older dog was crate trained and you don’t crate train them, they may not know what to do when not inside the crate.
- Dietary Issues: Certain diets can cause increased urination, making it harder for your dog to hold their bladder.
- Inconvenience: Some dogs need to go outside to use the bathroom frequently, and opening and closing the door can be inconvenient. Installing a dog door may be a solution to this problem.
Understanding these issues can help you identify the root cause of your dog’s housetraining difficulties and take the necessary steps to address them. Punishing your dog for accidents is not an effective solution and can actually make the problem worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and consistency in your training. Take your dog out for regular bathroom breaks, and reward them with treats and praise when they eliminate in the appropriate spot. With patience and persistence, your dog can learn proper elimination habits and become a well-trained companion.
What Is the Last Resort for Dog Potty Training?
If you have tried all the suggestions for dog potty training and your pup still isn’t getting the hang of it, it may be time to consider the last resort options. Before trying any of these options, it is important to rule out any medical issues by consulting with your veterinarian.
If your vet confirms that there are no medical issues, they may provide additional tips or recommend a professional dog trainer. While it may be frustrating, don’t give up on your pup. With patience and consistency, your dog can learn to use the bathroom outside.
Here are some last resort options for dog potty training:
Related Article
Read our article on how a dog’s behavior can affect your mental health.
Products for Dog Potty Training
Consider using an automatic potty pad machine to help with your dog’s potty training. In addition, puppy pads, enzymatic cleaners, and dog diapers can also be useful tools in the last resort for dog potty training.
Remember, don’t give up on your pup. With the right tools and training, they can learn to use the bathroom outside. Leave a comment below to share your tips and advice on the last resort for dog potty training.
DOGuide
DOGuide is an online resource for dog owners worldwide. Launched in 2021, it offers a platform for dog owners to learn, shop, and entertain themselves and their furry friends. DOGuide is also a place to share your experiences and connect with other dog owners. Learn more about the founder and contact DOGuide for more information.
I adopted a dog a few days ago.
I can return him, but that seems so heartless.
It is a no kill shelter.
I just feel guilty and confused because the dog and Ijust don’t click.
Hi Nancy!
The adjustment period after adopting a dog can be difficult. I can understand if you feel you want to return him. I felt that way when we first adopted Chelsey. If you don’t feel right about rehoming him, give it some time. You both need to learn how to live with one another. Let us know if you have any other questions, or concerns or need help in any other way to make this transition easier.
We adopted a 4 month old Pomapoo a week ago. It is clear the dog was used to using the bathroom indoors only. He was surrendered by a girl that must not have worked with him at all. I realize a new home is stressful and it has only been a week. He will literally hold his urine and feces until he is back inside after walks and trips to the yard. I have been working with him for hours every day. It just feels like he will not learn. For example, he hasn’t pooped all day, and I have taken him out frequently, to the point I haven’t even taken my coat off. He is in a crate the rest of the time, or on a leash so we can get outside quickly. I just can’t believe I haven’t been able to break the cycle yet.
Hi Mark! I’m so sorry for your frustrations. I get it. Been there – done that, just not in the same exact situation. The good news is your pup is still young, so there’s hope that you can break him of this learned behavior. That’s what this is – he learned that he is supposed to go to the bathroom indoors, and so he’s just doing what he was taught. Now, to get him to stop. You’re doing the right thing by continuing to take him outside. When he does happen to go to the bathroom outside – PRAISE – TREAT – just make it a big production. When he goes inside and you catch him, make sure to yell really loudly. No spanking or rubbing his nose in it – just be sure to make your voice a very different tone than when he goes outside. Your pup will understand the difference over time and will put two and two together. The other situation that’s going on is that he has his markers in the house now, so cleaning that up with an enzyme cleaner. https://amzn.to/3xbokFi The key is to catch your pup in the act and make it known you are NOT happy about it. I would also take your pup outside immediately to try to make the connection that bathroom means outside. If you catch him in the middle of the act, that’s even better because he may finish outside. Just keep doing the NO and praise when outside and sooon your puppy will learn. It’s hard because he will be confused at first, but once he realizes what he needs to do to make you happy – he will be more than motivated to make you happy over and over again.
I adopted my puppy at 8weeks old. I started potty training on a wee wee pad from start. For the most part the puppy pee pees on pD but doesn’t poop on it. all the time . She is almostc10 weeks and I want to know what I am doing wrong?
Hi Toni Marie,
You aren’t doing anything wrong, so I hope that makes you feel a bit better. For some reason, dogs often get peeing in the right spot quickly, but pooping can be a struggle for as long as 6 months. The most important thing is to stay consistent with encouraging your pup to poop on the pad. This does mean you’ll need to watch your pup like a hawk until he/she poops on the pad without you putting him/her on it. This might mean that you may catch him/her mid-poop and you pick your puppy up and have him/her finish on the pad. The more you do that, the better he’ll understand. Also, when your pup does poop on the pad, go ahead and praise/treat. Even if you had to put him/her on it. Because you want to associate the poop on pad with a good result, such as praise or teat. Eventually, your pup will do it all the time and eventually you won’t have to praise/treat all the time. Hope this helps!