At Patriot Dog Training, we got a ton of questions about how to train your dog at home and reinforce positive behaviors. One of the most common topics we get asked about is how to correctly potty train your dog. As always, we try to address many of these questions about San Antonio and Austin dog training in our monthly blog section.

This challenge is undoubtedly difficult for some pet owners leading to frustration. In extreme cases, this frustration can even lead to some dogs being rehomed or sent to a shelter. For years, many people believed that the best way to train a dog from going in the house was “shoving your dog’s face in it.” However, for most dogs, you have a very small window of time to notify the dog that what they are doing isn’t desirable behavior and to correct the action before the dog has moved on mentally. Going the old-school route doesn’t really help train the dog that the action was bad, but instead just makes them more fearful of you – which can lead to more anxious accidents. Instead of going this route, consider some helpful tips when trying to potty train your pup.

Tip #1 –  Know Your Time Limits

You have to remember that dogs – and especially puppies – have different internal systems than we do. They’re smaller, more compact, and aren’t able to hold their bladder as long as humans. The age of your pup usually correlates to how long it can hold its bladder. A general rule of thumb is the number of hours a dog can hold its bladder is roughly even to its age in months, plus one or two. For example, if your pup is 4 months old, expect that the maximum wait time before he or she will need to go out again is roughly 5-6 hours. In puppies younger than two months old, aim for the low end of that spectrum. Once you’ve hit the maximum time limit, your pup may not be able to wait anymore, no matter where he or she is or how much you’ve been working on getting outside before nature calls.

Tip #2 – Stay Consistent

One of the biggest parts of puppy training in any regard, but especially in potty training or house breaking, is to keep up a solid routine (no pun intended). Dogs of all ages – but particularly young puppies – need structure and work well with patterns and routines. Dogs are creatures of habit. You’ll find that most mistakes and accidents occur when the routine is either changed or inconsistent. Keeping up a consistent approach will help establish good habits and the less variation the pup experiences in the beginning, the more longterm success they will experience.  

Tip #3 – Keep Control

If a puppy is out roaming the house, it is extremely important to maintain control. Initially, they would be either tethered to me or next to me on a leash that I can pick up and grab when I notice them starting the process to use the bathroom.  The teether allows me to not chase after the puppy and allows me to simply grab the end of the lead and walk them outside to their spot to use the potty. If they do not go and I know they need to go, we will return to the crate for 15-20 minutes and then try again. Keeping control of the situation greatly lessens the likelihood of accidents and helps reinforce positive training techniques for both the pet and the owner.

For this, I would recommend something like the Watfoon Dog Leash so that I don’t have to worry about the dog chewing it up. 

Tip #4 – Don’t Lash Out

Imagine walking into the house and you notice that on the floor lies a fresh steamy “present” waiting for you.  You walk over to the dog and you see your pup has this sad look on their face. You’re heated and the dog knows it because they can read your emotions.  You then scold your dog for using the bathroom in the house. You say “he had a guilty look on his face, he must know he did something bad.” Let me honestly share the facts, dogs live and respond in the now, not the future or the past. It’s so important to remember this, the current state of your behavior and the emotions that you are expressing produces the dog’s “sad” face.

Tip #5 – The Crate Is Your Friend

You’ll see that crate training will absolutely improve your dog’s success at potty training.  I will discuss crate training later. Some crates that I absolutely love are Ruff Tough Kennels, Gunner Crates and Impact Crates.  There are plenty of cheaper options out there, but I’ve never been disappointed by these types of crates.

Tip #6 – Don’t Get Frustrated

Accidents happen. It’s a process. There are going to be times that you feel frustrated, even if the training is going well. Typically, when you look back over the course of the dog’s training, you’ll see that 99% of the accidents the dog has had are, indeed, the trainer’s fault. It’s happened to me hundreds an of times! When looking back at why a dog had an accident, I  thought “what did I do wrong” or “what could I do better?” So when you get all angry, find that happy smile and continue pushing forward.  

Here’s an example.  I had a 10 week old puppy.  I had it on a tether and let it roam free.  That was my first mistake. So what did it get to do?  Roam the house. Then it had an accident. I didn’t catch it in time, this was my second mistake.  This was all my fault. He had the dang tether on it so, why didn’t I just put my foot on it while I was reading my book? Rather than getting frustrated with the dog, or even moreso, with myself, keeping a bright outlook and knowing that mistakes like this are part of the process helps to keep from feeling overwhelmed by the entire training procedure.

Conclusion

Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be living in an accident-free home in no time. Or, if you’d rather, you can always bring your pet out to Patriot Dog Training here in Bulverde for professional puppy training or San Antonio dog training. We offer potty-training as part of many of our packages, and we’ve gotten some of the best results in the San Antonio or Austin area from our work with dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels. If your dog needs a crash course in canine obedience, reach us via the contact form, or call our team at 830-229-7141.

This time of year, our pets take an even more prominent place in our minds, as we consider gifting new puppies to loved ones, try to figure out boarding options for our dogs while we’re away at family holiday events, and consider whether or not to get gifts for our pets this year. One of the most frequently overlooked elements of your pet’s well-being, though, is the obedience training that they need to be safe and happy in an urban environment like Austin.

Yes, Austin is a great dog city. The culture of the city embraces our four-legged friends, as there are tons of dog parks, dog-specific city events, and even many of the local businesses put out water bowls for pups. That being said, Austin also offers a very crowded, urban lifestyle that requires proper skills, training and obedience for the safety of your dog and the other dogs they will encounter.

Luckily, Patriot Dog Training offers professional dog training services for all of Austin. We specialize in teaching your dog to be obedient and attentive, even in high-distraction settings (such as walking down the sidewalk on South Congress). We also work to socialize your dog with other pets and people, which helps them feel more comfortable in densely populated areas like restaurant patios, stores, sidewalks, parks and more. This training helps not only give you more control over your pup, but also helps to ensure they are more cautious and aware of possible dangers and hazards (such as passing cars) while also being more well-mannered around other dogs and people. Everyone loves the companionship of taking your dog around town with you, but nobody wants to let their dog cause a ruckus in public, attack another dog, or put themselves in a dangerous situation by not being obedient.

If you’re considering taking your dog out in Austin, you need to a professional Austin dog training course from Benito and the team at Patriot Dog Training. We offer services for adult dogs, puppies, and even private sessions for more personalized training. Our team can help make sure that your pup is ready to accompany you around town and be well-behaved and obedient while doing so. Call our team today to get a quote and talk about options, or use our contact form to submit your inquiry.

From teaching your dog basic obedience to advanced training for dog sports or protection, a great dog trainer can make all the difference. That’s particularly true for new dog owners. But even if you have years of experience with canine companions, a professional trainer can help you troubleshoot problems and hone your abilities. Plus, group classes have the wonderful benefit of socializing your pup. But how do you know when you’ve found the right dog trainer?

Dog training is an unregulated industry. Anybody can print business cards and charge for their services, regardless of background, education, or experience. It’s essential to evaluate potential trainers before trusting them with your hard-earned money and your precious pet. Don’t simply pick the closest training school. Do your research to determine if a potential trainer is the right fit for you and your dog.

First, ask the trainer about their methods and training philosophy, and make sure you’re comfortable with that approach. Look for a trainer who uses balanced training methods — rewarding the dog for appropriate behavior and teaching alternative behaviors in place of inappropriate ones. These techniques are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond and fostering a love of learning in dogs.

It’s also important to determine what you need from a trainer. Are you dealing with problem behavior like jumping on guests or does your new puppy need to learn to “sit” and “stay”? Find out if a particular trainer provides classes or private training that meet your needs. Not all trainers offer the same services. Usually, a class environment with other dogs provides the added benefit of socialization and distraction training. But sometimes, your dog will learn best in a one-on-one situation, especially if other dogs overstimulate him or make him anxious.

Private training can be done at the training school, in your home, or out in the world. For certain issues, this can be ideal. Some dogs simply aren’t ready for a classroom, or perhaps your dog’s problem only happens at your front door. However, not all trainers offer services outside their own facility, and you can expect to pay more for someone to come to you.

Ask a potential trainer about their education and any credentials they may have. Some wonderful trainers have learned through apprenticeships and years of experience, whereas others have taken a more academic route in building their skills. Certification with an organization like the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers is not mandatory for trainers, but it shows dedication to the profession and an interest in continuing education.

Speak with the trainer to get a feel for their personality and people skills before making a decision. It’s not enough to read the brochure or website. In truth, dog trainers teach people, so you need to feel comfortable being their student. Look for someone who uses the same positive reinforcement with her human pupils that they use with the dogs. They should be patient, encouraging, and respectful. Try to observe a training class, and watch the dogs and students as much as the trainer to ensure they are all enjoying themselves. In addition, check out reviews from former students.

Look for a trainer who provides more than just the basic training techniques. Dogs and humans have different ways of looking at the world, and the more you understand your dog’s perceptions, the better equipped you are to meet his needs and live together happily. Training lessons should include information about dog behavior, dog communication, and how dogs learn. The importance of socializing is key for a good puppy class, and advice on grooming and handling is an added perk.

Great trainers understand that their job is to train you to train your dog. Although they may want to work with one adult at a time depending on a dog’s issues, at some point in the process, they should welcome the entire household — kids included. First-rate trainers understand the importance of getting the whole family on board for consistency.

If you’re looking for a great trainer in the San Antonio or Austin area, consider the professional team at Patriot Dog Training. We specialize in helping train dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and experience levels. Contact our team today or give us a call at (830) 229-7141 to learn more about how we can help your dog and to pick the right dog training program for you and your family.

Using a clicker can be very helpful in training your dog. We use clickers regularly in our San Antonio dog training and Austin dog training classes. Over time, it has shown to be an extremely useful training tool for dogs of all ages.

Although we use the clicker in most of our adult dog training and puppy training courses, there is no magic in the clicker itself. A clicker is simply a bridge from acceptable behavior to the reward. When trained properly, a dog learns that the moment they hear a “click,” a reward will follow.

This is beneficial because no matter how long it takes to give the reward, the pup understands the reason why they are getting the reward. You can use any sound or word to substitute a “click”. Some trainers use verbal praise, such as a “good boy” in substitution of the click. Others will use a different mechanism to make a particular noise. As for me, I choose to make the click from my mouth. It reduces the amount of stuff held in my hands and works for most of my clients. It doesn’t really matter how or what you do, as long as you do it consistently. Your dog needs to understand that the “click” or signal means a treat each and every time. Consistency is key!

While the clicker does become an instant attention-getter for most dogs, I recommend never using the clicker as a means to get your dogs attention. It sends a conflicting message to the dog and undermines the effectiveness of the training in the first place. Although it’s a common mistake amongst rookie trainers, I recommend avoiding it. The only reason I would ever do this is if I wanted to test the impact or meaningfulness of the clicker.

In a test case, I would have the dog off randomly doing something in the house or yard, then I would “click”. If the dog comes flying back to me, I know the clicker has meaning to it. It should be like a firecracker going off. If it’s not, then the clicker isn’t meaningful enough and the reward has given the dog little motivation.

A common question among dog owners is “when do I phase out the clicker?” In my experience, there will never be a point where I phase out the clicker or marker. If anything, I extend the requirements and ask for more obedience behaviors before I click or reward the dog. Initially, I will click for every behavior and reward, but soon I will focus on advanced work asking the pup to do more to perfect the behavior to receive the “click”. This works great for when I want the dog to stay in behavior longer. If I want my dog to heel for 10 seconds straight or maintain eye contact for 10 seconds straight, I will extend the time between “clicks”. Feel free to click away friends, pups are better for it!

At the end of the day, the clicker is a tool, not a magic wand. It is a tool used in conjunction with other tools here at Patriot Dog Training. If used properly, you can create an amazing communication that your dog understands. You will build a better bond through this communication. With your confidence building as an owner, you will learn that you can do anything using the correct tools. It’s important that your reward must be something that the dog loves, needs, and desires.

Remember, this is just one of many tools used to train your dog. Relying on just one tool can really reduce your ability to excel in all obedience situations. Having various other correction options allows you to have a wide array of training options to safely work within any situation. Fill your tool box with “tools” and train on!

For more coaching and training techniques, consider our group training classes, where we not only work with your dog, but also help you become better at training and communicating with your pup. As always, feel free to contact our team to inquire about our services by sending us an email, or calling the dog training professionals at 830-229-7141.