Do you have a pooch that hasn’t mastered the art of toilet training? Well you’re not alone, it is one of the most common issues we hear from our clients. So here are six steps to help you and your pet master toilet time.
The age old myth of rubbing a dog’s nose in their business is a myth for a reason. If your dog is toileting inside or in the wrong place, scolding them does not help, it just increases their anxiety levels which can increasing toileting mishaps. Or worse, they are so nervous about being yelled at they end up hiding where they toilet. If you catch them in the act, calmly go over without saying anything and take them outside where they need to go. If they finish their business outside, praise them heavily for going in the right spot.
Dogs are motivated creatures that do what works for them. So to increase your dog’s chances of going outside where they should, ensure it is worthwhile for them. Have a jar of treats in the backyard ready for immediate vocal praise “good girl!” and offer a delicious treat! Soon they will learn, “Wow – when I go to the toilet on the lawn we play a game of Tug and I get my favourite liver treats! Score! I am going to do that more often!”
When your dog is inside, giving them free reign everywhere can cause confusion. Keep your dog in a small contained area, your dog is less likely to go to the toilet in the area they eat or sleep. Remembering to take them out regularly.
Have you ever toilet trained a toddler? Did you let them run around the house unsupervised with no nappy? It is the same as letting your dog run around unsupervised. Watch them like a hawk in their confined areas and look for any signals they may need to go out to the toilet. Each dog is different, a signal could be anything from a certain swagger to their walk or, especially as training progresses, they might stand near the door to let you know they need to go.
If you have an adult dog who has increasingly had more issues with toileting, go back to the basics, pretend you have a puppy again. This includes, taking the puppy out every 30-45 minutes, before and after sleep, after meal times and after play. Even during the night, set your alarm twice to wake up and take your dog to the toilet. When your dog does go to the toilet remember to praise them and reward them!
As humans we tend to be impatient and often lose our cool when we are wasting time and energy. By taking your dog out regularly, waiting for them to do their business, then reward* them like crazy you’re more likely to motivate them into success!
Rewards can be one of so many things, often it’s your voice. An excited “YES! Good girl (or boy)” and their name can work wonders. Watch as their eyes light up at your approval and excitement, they want to be a good dog, they really do.
Up-the-anti with treats! Treats are often a big ‘score’ for most dogs, but be prepared, treat rewards need to be quick. Your pooch won’t connect the treat they are receiving with what they did outside 2 minutes ago.
Games & Play for the non-food motivated using games and play time as a reward is a great way to engage and excite your pooch for their hard work. But, just like with food, the game needs to be immediate and not a promise to take them to the dog park later.
By putting in place these tips, your dog will master the art of toilet training in no time. Remember to patient and celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small!
Once you and your dog have got these basics down you can then add a verbal cue. This can help before long car rides or big adventures! Take them out on a lead to their usual toilet spot when they might need to do, then use a simple phrase such as ‘go toilet’ once they’ve started. Always remember to reinforce the behaviour by rewarding success with praise and positivity. After several repetitions of this (over time) your dog will start to understand what that verbal cue is for and soon enough you’ve got yourself a handy and practical bonus trick.
Remember dogs are creatures of comfort and tend to go toilet in similar places in the yard, by keeping them on a lead at toilet time you can also help them learn to toilet in a specific area or location. If you have a puppy it can also help to stop toilet time from becoming play and chase time at 3am in the morning!
I am the Head Trainer at RSPCA School for Dogs and passionate about training dogs and helping owners better understand their faithful companions so we will have less ending up in shelters. I have a Diploma of Canine Behaviour and Science and love to educate others on how dogs learn and how to train them using force free techniques to build a strong bond with their dog.