Outdoor training time, advice

[BulldogMA2]

We are about to start outdoor potty time. It’s been 9 years since I last potty trained…advice welcomed. We live in New England so weather is a factor…there will be “designated spot”, is the back deck okay to start this? Or go right to “yard” spot?

 

[Manydogs]

I, myself would start with the yard. Clear a spot in the snow, and take her there. Porch habit could get messy if she wants to keep it as a habit!

 

[Cbrugs]

Unless you want the porch to be a permanent potty spot, I would go directly to the yard. And lots of praise and a high valued treat!

 

[benny]

Make your yard spot and keep it shoveled when it snows.

I like having a bell strap on the door. Shake it every time you go out. Eventually you can encourage the dog to do it if they don’t pick up the idea on their own.

Until then it’s always “outside!” after food/drink, every couple hours, whenever they go inside, etc.

I recommend only positive reinforcement. If they go inside it’s a gentle “uhoh! Let’s go outside! …(ring bell and go outside)”. Pick them up mid potty if you can. Negative reinforcement isn’t fair, accidents are not the dogs fault. Get a treat that makes them crazy, like freeze dried liver - and make sure you have one on hand to reward immediately whenever they go potty outside.

 

[Bulldog2001]

We are about to start outdoor potty time. It’s been 9 years since I last potty trained…advice welcomed. We live in New England so weather is a factor…there will be “designated spot”, is the back deck okay to start this? Or go right to “yard” spot?

I definitely would start her in the yard instead of the deck so she doesn’t get confused and thinks she has the option to go on the deck to potty.

Always try the same spot in the yard to encourage her to go there. Once she goes say “yay good potty or Good pee” whichever words you want to use.
We have a bell that hangs on the door and we say “do you need to go outside to potty!” And take them out immediately but we put the dog paws gently to touch the bell then they get into the habit to ring the bell, then that means outside to potty.

Always reward with a good high value treat she goes crazy for(like the freeze dried beef liver for example), immediately after she potty outside.

Patience and consistency is key!

 

[gobronco]

I agree. Start with where you want the pooch to go (middle of the lawn if you have one) . I would be upset if my dogs went on the deck. I accept that my 10 year old (Crazy the deaf dog) pees on the edge of the walkway sometimes,

 

[2BullyMama19]

Agree with the gang…. start with yard shovel a path / spot if needed. High value treat and lots of praise when she goes.


keep in mind a puppy can only hold for one hour more than months old. So two months old = 3 hour limit. Take ou immediately upon waking and play sessions, and about 20-30 mins after a meal.

 

[MFrey2012]

We got you covered!! Definitely start with the yard, and some very YUMMY high value treats.

We are not quite as far north but winters are tricky here in Eastern PA as well, and I REMEMBER SO WELL we got LOTS of Snow when Ellie Came home - almost 32" to this day Ellie will Pee on every last bit of snow till it is all gone