Dog toilet training is cited by many pet owners as being one of the most important parts of dog ownership. Proper toilet training is essential for keeping a dog, and should be done as soon as your dog becomes a member of your household. Understanding how to train a dog requires that you have patience, since some dogs may need a bit of time before they are able to understand the rules of your household. When it comes to dog toilet training, the most effective training program will utilize your dog’s natural instincts. Here are some general tips about how to toilet train your dog.
BE PATIENT
As stated before, not all dogs are able to learn at the same rate. Some dogs aren’t as able to recognize concepts and commands as other dogs. For example, a Beagle requires a verbal command to be repeated from 80 to 100 times before they can adequately connect it with a specific behavior. A Poodle, on the other hand, only requires that a verbal command be repeated from 5 to 10 times. Though proper dog training only requires your dog to understand the “concept” of going to the bathroom in a designated area (which is easier than connecting a verbal command to a concept), it still may take some time before your dog is able to be completely toilet trained.
USING A CRATE
Crate training is the most popular way to toilet train a dog. In crate training, you will be putting your dog in their crate on a set schedule each day. After leaving them in the crate for a period of time, take them outdoors so that they have the opportunity to go to the bathroom. If they do not go to the bathroom right away, put them back in their crate, and try again a bit later.
INDOOR TOILET TRAINING
For convenience, there are now devices that can be used to encourage your dog to go to the bathroom while indoors. Depending on your budget, there are even “dog toilets” that can be connected directly to your home’s septic system. These devices often include a washable platform where the dog is able to go to the bathroom without tracking any waste inside the house. If this is something that you’re interested in, try doing a bit of research on the internet. With some shopping around, you may be able to find one for a fairly affordable price.