When it comes to potty training your dog, it usually begins right from when your new dog comes home with you. From the moment your dog jumps out of your car, you need to start getting them familiar with the outside so they will be trained within seven days. This may sound simple enough, but it is sometimes easier said than done. However, by implementing a few steps, your dog will quickly catch on and be potty trained in no time.
The best part of potty training a dog in a short amount of time is that the training is not age-specific. This is because the bladder of smaller dogs and puppies are small, so they require a higher amount of breaks to go potty. Other than that, the method for potty training is no different for all dogs.
It’s important to keep in mind that after your dog has finished their potty training, they may require extra time to get used to holding it while in the house for long periods.
You will have frustrating times as you potty train your dog, but keep in mind that you need to provide as many breaks as possible to avoid accidents. To accomplish this, you can easily follow the following five steps that will have your dog potty trained within seven days. If you need more detailed information about crate training, check SpiritDog Training courses (click here).
- Monitor your dog throughout the entire potty training process
- Create regular breaks at set times, and after your dog wakes up, finishes playing, finishes eating, and finishes drinking.
- Provide treats every time your dog does its business when they go out and then reinforce it, so mistakes are avoided later.
- Avoid punishing your dog for making an accident because this will cause your dog to become fearful, and more difficult training will ensue.
- Recognize the signs your dog gives so that you can oblige by taking them out.
- Establish a nightly routine
That’s it! Normally, potty training is conducted without a hitch, and dogs can be trained within a week. But like any other problem that you come across with your dog, and they don’t seem to be able to catch on, you may need to reach out to your vet for assistance.
Why is it referred to as potty training?
You would be wrong to think that your dog should know specific rules that humans instinctively follow. Sure, your dog won’t go where they sleep, but they will go potty elsewhere. So for you to avoid this behavior, you need to be their trainer until they show you that they are fully trained. As the dog owner, you are responsible for teaching your dog everything. To do this, you need to focus on the actions that you want your dog to accomplish. When you do this, you’ll be reminded to provide snacks and rewards instead of disciplining them.
The best time to reward your dog is as you see them conducting themselves properly. When you focus on the positives and remain patient, then the mistakes will gradually cease completely. It is not going to be an easy task to train your dog in seven days, so you need to remain calm, relaxed, and collected throughout the process.
Bladder Control Timeframe for Your Dog
Before beginning a potty training regimen, you must know the amount of time that your dog can control their bladder. This means you can’t expect your puppy to hold it for an entire day while you’re at work for 8 hours. So your puppy will require more time to control it for an extended amount of time.
Once you find out your dog’s bladder control timeframe, you will be less stressed and annoyed. But if you follow the six-step routine we have below, then you will be able to figure out exactly how long your dog can hold it.
- At a maximum, it’s a good idea to begin with, three hours. This would be best for young pups that can only hold their bladder for that amount of time. You need to understand that your pup does not know they can hold it; you need to teach them.
- You also need to ensure that you take your dog or pup out as soon as they have finished eating and sleeping.
- With each month of this, an hour is added on top of your pup’s ability to hold their bladder and bowels. After seven months of this training, your pup will hold their bladder and bowels for seven hours.
- If you do is a small breed, and their bladder is going to be even smaller. So if you have a “toy dog,” then there may never be a way for them to hold it for so long.
- Limit your dog’s bladder control to an eight-hour maximum. This should be the standard limit for all dog breeds.
- Always start with the least amount of time for the dog’s size and then work your way up. The point is to keep it simple so that you avoid your pup from having any difficulty.
Creating a Nightly Potty Training Schedule
Creating a nightly routine for your pup or adult dog is vital if you want them to hold their bladder through the night. This should start right after they have had their nightly dinner.
A good time to serve their dinner is around 6 or 7 p.m. After thirty minutes of finishing their meal, guide them outside for some playtime or just for them to sniff around the yard or home. They will likely relieve themselves, so make sure to have their treatment at the ready.
Once back inside, provide more water between 8 or 8:30 p.m. Make sure to remove the water dish fifteen minutes later. Then take them out again thirty minutes later to play or sniff around again. Then when 10 or 11 p.m. comes around, take your dog out one final time and then place them in their designated sleeping area for the night.