Top 5 Potty Training Pitfalls: How to Set Your Pup Up for Success

Hello, fellow dog lovers!
As a seasoned Shih Tzu breeder of 24 years, I've witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges of welcoming a new furry friend into your home. Among these challenges, potty training often ranks high on the list of frustrations for new pet parents. But fear not! Today, I'm here to shed light on the top 5 reasons why potty training can be a prolonged ordeal and, more importantly, how to overcome them with ease.

1. Inconsistent Routine: One of the primary reasons for potty training setbacks is inconsistency in establishing a routine. Dogs thrive on predictability, so irregular feeding times, walks, and bathroom breaks can confuse them. Solution: Set a strict schedule for feeding and outdoor visits, and stick to it religiously. Consistency is key! And for added insurance, make sure that everyone who lives in your home knows and adheres to the same strict schedule.

2. Lack of Supervision: Leaving your puppy unsupervised indoors is akin to leaving a toddler unattended – accidents are bound to happen. Without proper guidance, puppies may not understand where it's acceptable to relieve themselves. Solution: Keep a close eye on your pup, especially during the early stages of training. Use baby gates or crates to limit access to areas where accidents are more likely to occur. Give your puppy/new dog open access to small spaces at first, and then increase the space as they learn to navigate that space with success. Don't forget to use a crate and puppy-safe area to support your training.

3. Punishment-Based Training: Using punishment as a method to deter accidents can backfire, leading to fear and anxiety in your furry friend. Positive reinforcement is far more effective in encouraging desired behaviors. Solution: Lavish praise and treats when your puppy eliminates in the appropriate spot, reinforcing the desired behavior with positivity. Clean up accidents without much fanfare or attention, and regulate your own emotions surrounding accidents.

4. Failure to Recognize Signals: Dogs communicate their needs through various cues, such as pacing, sniffing, or circling. Missing these signals can result in missed opportunities for successful potty training. Solution: Learn to recognize your pup's unique cues and promptly respond by taking them outside to their designated potty area.

5. Unrealistic Expectations: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a perfectly potty-trained pup. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment. Solution: Understand that accidents are a normal part of the learning process. Stay patient, persistent, and celebrate small victories along the way. Don't expect one dog to be like your other dog(s). And don't expect potty training to happen without a strong bond to your puppy, work at the bond as you potty train.

Studies have consistently shown the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in promoting desired behaviors in dogs. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, positive training methods result in higher success rates and stronger bonds between pets and their owners.

Remember, every pup is unique, and patience is key to success.

For more expert tips and tricks on pet care, be sure to check out our other blog posts on our website and tune in to our Instagram LIVE Breeder Knows Episodes every Wednesday afternoon with myself, Sheri Stevens, @shurbeezshihtzu, and my sister, Heather Heywood, @lake_mountain_way.

Here's to happy tails and successful potty training adventures!

Warm regards,
Sheri Stevens
​

---