The Right Way to Potty Train Your Rescue Dog
Were you aware that one of the primary causes for dogs being surrendered in shelters is their lack of proper potty training? It's truly disheartening to consider that these situations could have been avoided if only the original guardians had devoted more time to properly training this task. The truth is potty training a dog requires consistency and patience - it's not something that can be rushed. Read on for some helpful tips to set your rescue dog up for success and keep your home from being used as an indoor toilet.
Why Your Rescue Dog is Hard to Potty Train
There are several reasons why a dog may struggle with potty training. Puppies often don't understand their body's signals until it's too late. Older dogs may have mixed messages about where to go because they've had pee pads indoors or they have spent too much time in a crate, which can lead to them being comfortable with soiling their space. And then, there’s people factor: guardians miss their pet’s potty signals, fail to properly clean up the soiled area, and stop going outside with their dog before they are fully trained.
How to Successfully Potty Train Your Rescue Dog
When potty training your dog there are just two rules to remember.
#1 Prevent Accidents. Pay attention to your untrained dog; put away your phone and give them the supervision they need. If you can't give them your full attention, limit their access to the various areas of your home using an x-pen or baby gate. And remember, if your dog has an accident, it's not just their fault - it's a failure on both of your parts.
If the end goal is to have your dog do their business on their own, go with them until they are fully house trained.
#2. Reward your pup for going outside EVERYTIME. Accompanying your dog while they are learning to go outside is key. Once they’ve completed eliminating, reward them with a treat. Be sure they're finished and avoid interrupting them. No matter the weather or how tired you are, you must go outside with your dog. A treat inside for a dog that is still learning where to go has no value. If your dog doesn't go potty within 5 minutes, bring them inside and try again 10-20 minutes later. Remember, patience and consistency are key in helping your dog learn.
You are responsible for helping your dog succeed with potty training. Avoid leaving your dog alone for extended periods beyond their capacity. When initiating potty training, limit their alone time to no more than 3 hours, mimicking the needs of an 8-week-old puppy. Duration can be extended but only gradually. If you can’t give regular breaks in the beginning, enlist the help of a dog walker or a friendly neighbor.
How Often Should My Dog Go Out
Don’t forget! If you dog is like this Bulldog, that’s enjoyed their outside time, they will need a potty break shortly after drinking their entire water bowl.
Set the potty schedule to be first thing in the morning, last thing before bed, shortly after meals, naps, play sessions, and whenever they come out of their crate. These breaks will be in addition to a regular cadence (i.e. every 3+ hours depending on age and experience).
If you notice your dog sniffing and circling, sitting by an exterior door, or staring at you intently it's important to take them outside right away.
When your dog has recently engaged in intense play or a lengthy walk and then drinks a lot of water, forget about the schedule! Your dog will need a break sooner because their bladder is full.
Do This When Potty Training Your Dog
Accelerate your rescue dog’s potty-training progress with these 6 pro tips.
Restrict Freedom: Don’t give your pup free run of the house until they are house-trained. If you can't keep an eye on them, confine them to a designated area.
Use a Leash: When taking your dog outside for a potty break, use a leash to minimize distractions and help them stay focused.
Ditch the Potty Pads: If your goal is to have your dog potty outside, avoid using disposable pads. This product confuses your dog and delays the training process.
Positive Reinforcement, Not Punishment: Forget about the outdated methods of rubbing their nose in accidents or using physical force. Being too harsh will only make your dog afraid to go in front of you.
Be Consistent: As tempting is it to just open the door and let them go, especially as your dog starts to get the hang of it, until your dog is house-trained (14 days, zero incidents), continue to accompany them outside and reward the moment they finish.
Proper Clean-Up: Use an enzymatic cleaner to effectively neutralize a soiled area. No amount of bleach or other solution will sufficiently offset the scent that remains, and your dog may be tempted to revisit the spot.
How Long Will It Take to Potty Train Your Rescue Dog
No one can tell you how long it will take to potty train your rescue dog. Potty training is a team effort that requires understanding and consistency. Your rescue dog must understand eliminating inside isn’t appropriate, and you need to set them up for success by keeping to a schedule and understanding their tell signs.
If you have trouble remembering when it's time to take your dog out; let technology help. Set an alarm on your phone to ensure you never miss a potty break again.
Additionally, it’s likely your perception doesn’t match up with reality, so start a journal. Compared to your memory the journal will tell the real story. Instead of feeling like your dog had 100 accidents this week, you’ll now be able to see their progress week to week.
Remember, comparing your dog’s progress to another is pointless. Each dog learns at their own pace, and what comes naturally to one may take more time for another.
Should You Use a Potty Bell?
While some dogs have very clear signs indicating they need to go out other dogs are more subtle. Whether you miss your dog’s SOS signal like pawing at the door because you are in the middle of a zoom call, or you dog’s sign is to stare at you as if you were a Jedi mind reader consider bell training your dog.
Bell training your dog is easy, and it provides you with an audible interrupter so you can help them get it right. Just remember, if you choose this method, you must take your dog out every time they ring the bell.
Pee Pad Training - When It’s a Good Idea
This Beagle has an owner with limited mobility. They correctly used an indoor pee pad.
If you want your dog to do their business outside, it's best to avoid using pee pads or indoor grass. However, there are situations where these products are appropriate.
If you're an elderly person, have limited mobility, or live in an unsafe area, these products could be ideal. Although expensive, these products provide a designated spot for your dog to go, are convenient and are easy to cleanup.
Make Potty Training Your Rescue Dog a Cinch
Potty training your rescue dog can take some time to perfect but by following these tips you’ll both persevere. Maintaining consistency is key when teaching your pet where to go potty. Take things one day at a time and use a journal to uncover patterns. Always practice positive reinforcement to make learning easier and faster for your newest furry, family member.
If you need more help with your rescue dog, we would love to help. Schedule your free 20-minute discovery call now.
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