Sit Mofo Sit

Expert Dog Training That's Fun For You and Your Best Friend

Potty

Preventing Belly Aches

Nobody and I mean nobody likes diarrhea.

It might just be the grossest thing you will clean up and your pup for sure isn't thrilled with the bellyache. Unfortunately, it happens from time to time – even the best-trained dogs can get sick.

Why is the dog having accidents in the house?

If you have more than one dog it is key to know who is getting sick. I have four dogs, and they are my everything. But as you might imagine that makes it difficult to diagnose who isn't feeling well if I'm not ultra-vigilant in watching them.

I make it a habit to watch each of them go potty at least once a day. If someone is vomiting, urinating, or pooping in the house I can't help them if I don't know who it is.

Easier said than done.

I have another secret weapon though.

Many folks who are potty training don't realize they are making this simple mistake.

My #1 tip to preventing diarrhea is…

Only introduce one new thing at a time.

What does that mean?

🐾 Did you know dog food companies regularly change the ingredients (or levels of) in foods? If one of the changes in the new bag (of the same type) of dog food makes your dog sick and it's mixed in with the old bag you could have a mystery on your hands. For this reason, I always completely finish a bag of food before starting a new one.

🐾 If I have a new brand of treats, I don't offer any other new foods for the first few days they get those treats.

🐾 Yep. I feed my dogs table scraps. (Not FROM the table of course, in the food bowl or as training treats.) Just like you, it's healthy for dogs to eat a variety of foods *note*, particularly fruits and vegetables. Don't give them a full salad of foods they have never eaten. They can have repeat foods, but if they are trying a new veggie don't give them any other new items.

🐾 This goes for medications regardless if they've had them before or not. I don't give my heartworm medication on the same day as flea and tick. I don't introduce new foods on medication days.

🐾 The days my dogs get shots I am ready at home with a bland meal of white rice and unseasoned chicken.

If you've got a Mofo with an upset tummy, make sure you allow them plenty of rest and crate time. I know relaxing on the couch with a blankie always makes me feel better.

If this tip doesn't help resolve your potty training troubles, attend my upcoming Free Potty Training Workshop . It's free and you'll get some great info.

** There are a number of human foods that are dangerous or potentially fatal to dogs. Check this ASPCA list before feeding them anything new! Your Dog Advisor.com provides holiday-specific dangers to avoid – food and otherwise.

There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. ( Check out my easy, 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)

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Filed Under: Health, Potty

3 Potty Training Myths

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!

husky sleeping at work deskMy 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.

woman having a coffee date with her dog

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!

Black Steel Brush

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 easy, 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)

Did you like this? Please share it!

Filed Under: #doggoals, Potty, Training