Myth 1:
You can't potty train older dogs or small breeds
For real this isn't true. You know this because not every little dog is running around peeing indoors!
But sure, I agree, these groups of dogs can be more challenging when it comes to potty training.
A previously trained dog using the house of the toilet can be an indication of a health problem – get them to the vet. Otherwise, I promise, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
My simplest advice here is to watch your dog at all times. Watch when they are eating, drinking, and sneaking off into the other room. How? Keep a leash on them in the house when you can watch them and in a crate when you can't.
It doesn't take long for you both to get used to it.
Provide food and water only at mealtimes instead of free feeding. Take them out 20 minutes or so after they eat.
Just these 2 things combined with the tips below will often do the trick. Take 30 minutes and watch my free potty training webinar if you are still having problems!
Myth 2:
Punishment is an effective form of training.
It certainly is not. Dogs live in the moment.
If you don't catch them in the act they have no idea why they are being yelled at, swatted with newspapers, or have their nose pushed in poop.
The only thing you are teaching them is to be afraid of you.
It's not “old school,” it's just cruel.
Myth 3:
The dog will tell you when s/he's gotta go.
Nah.
We communicate differently! Your dog doesn't speak English and will not say, “Excuse me, Jeremy, I must urinate.”
It is your job to teach them how to let you know that they have to go outside. You can train your dog to ring a bell, bark at the door, or lay at the door when they need to go out. (Watch a video with step by step instructions on this.)
And hey, they may already be telling you they need to go out and you aren't understanding. Nudges, whining, and circling are obvious cues. Some dogs will simply walk into the room you are in and leave. Pay attention to their body language.
Once you get outside with your dog teach them a command associated with potty outside. Repeat the command when they are getting ready to go, and praise them with it once the deed is done. Every time!
One last note if your dog has been having accidents in the house
Be sure you are cleaning up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner. You can purchase at any pet store or find via google search.
Just because you can’t smell the remnants of urine or feces does not mean the dog can’t. The dog's sense of smell is amazing.
Use that sense of smell to your advantage and leave a little part of your yard dirty so they know where they should be going.
More free tips on potty training can be found in my Free Potty Training Workshop .
There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. ( Check out my FREE 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)