Wondering how you can potty train your dog in a week? We’ve got you covered!
Potty training is one of the more talked about hiccups by dog parents. At first glance, it looks nearly impossible, especially in record time. But what if I told you it was possible, and you could begin to see results in as little as a week? Intrigued? Continue reading to find out more.
Potty training your dog in a week
Dogs peeing inside the house is not news, especially since you can rectify it with proper potty training. The first step is to understand the many reasons dogs pee on the carpet and, with careful observation, make a shortlist of likely reasons unique to your dog.
Once you are in the ballpark, you can run through this 7-item list to potty-train your furry pal in a week.
7 Steps to Potty Training Your Dog in a Week
1. Understand your dog’s patterns and habit
Understanding your dog’s behavior should be your priority. Most dogs pace, whimper, or walk in circles when they need to potty.
This and similar signals should serve as your cue to act. If your furry companion does not signal you when they need to go potty, you can teach them to develop patterns. For example, you can take them out for a walk at the same time every day or after they drink water or eat.
2. Create a designated potty area
When it comes to potty training, having a designated potty area is crucial. You should pick an area in your yard where you want your dog to relieve themselves and take them there every time they need to go. With time, they will start to associate that spot with going to the bathroom.
While doing this, you must remove any markings left behind by earlier accidents from the house. If you don’t get rid of these markings, your dog will continue to use these places for relief. One way to ensure this does not happen is to use powerful but safe cleaning agents to remove the droppings.
3. Draw up a potty training schedule
After observing your dog’s behavior, you should create a potty training schedule for them. Establishing a consistent routine can help your dog adjust to the plan and learn to control their bowel movements.
In order to keep you committed and avoid interference with your engagements, clear out your schedule to accommodate your dog’s potty training. Once you’ve done this, set a timer for each activity to keep you alert and on time.
The schedule should include potty breaks 10 – 15 minutes after every activity. This includes letting your dog out as soon as you wake up in the morning, after every meal, whenever they are involved in any energy-draining activity, and just before bed.
4. Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods in dog training. Dogs are highly food-motivated, so using treats as a reward for good behavior is a great way to get them to understand what you expect from them.
The reward here could be an extra treat, a pat on the back with praise for extra effect, or a play date with your dog. In the same vein, you want to avoid reacting violently to accidents in the house, as it could make your dog less susceptible to potty training.
5. Be consistent
Dogs are creatures of habit, so the key to successful potty training is consistency. You need to be consistent with the commands you use, the schedule you keep, and the rewards you give. If you are inconsistent, your dog will get confused and will not be able to learn what it is you want them to do.
When you are lacking consistency on your end, you cannot expect your dog to stay true to the training. For the best results, especially in a week, you would need to internalize every step of the routine and teach your furry friend religiously so it becomes second nature.
Relapses would not only mean you do not meet your one-week target, but it would also mean that it would become challenging to potty-train as your inconsistency translates to a lack of need and absence of consequence on the dog’s part.
6. Avoid common mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that people make when potty training their dogs. One of the most common is using punishment as a way to train their dog. Punishment will only make your dog scared and confused and will not help them learn what it is you want them to do.
Another common mistake is letting your dog roam free in your home before they are fully potty trained. This will only give them more opportunities to have accidents inside. It is important to confine your dog to a small area, such as a crate or puppy playpen until they are fully potty trained.
7. Be patient
Potty training takes time and patience. Do not expect your dog to learn everything overnight. It is important to be patient and take things one step at a time. Remember to praise your dog when they do something good and never punish them for having an accident.
Are you concerned that you may not always be able to take your dog for a potty break? Here’s an extra tip for sticking through this content.
8. Employ a Dog Crate
While every pet parent wants to be present at every stage of their dog’s potty training, this may not always be possible. You may have to go to work or be preoccupied with other engagements. The good news is that crates can be handy when potty training your dog.
You can keep your furry friend in a crate until you allow them to go potty outside. Dogs don’t like to linger in places they have messed up, so encourage them to hold their pee until they can go outside and ease themselves.
It is crucial to use the crate sparingly, as it could teach your dog to develop an over-reliance on the crate.
In Conclusion
Potty training your dog is essential and a part of being a responsible dog owner. Pulling it through is possible in just one week. However, if you are struggling to potty train your dog, there is no shame in seeking professional help. A professional trainer can help you troubleshoot any problems you are having and give you customized advice for your dog.
Potty training your dog can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. You should remember that not all dogs will adapt in a week, as some breeds are easier to train. However, by following these steps and being consistent with your training, you will see subtle changes in your dog’s habits and can have a fully potty-trained dog in no time.
