Potty Training

[Major Jack]

Ok here is a question....both the boys are very good about letting us know when they have to go outside. We have been doing the leash thing but i am wondering when and if its ok to not do the leash, let them outside (of course go out with them) I did it this weekend and it worked fine, they both went in differnet directions and took care of business just fine.

Is this ok??? thoughts please

[melani19]

I live on a farm, so we have lots of room to run and play. I personally have never had the need to leash my two puggers to take them out. They stick right with me. Harrison is obediance trained, so that lessens my worries even more. If I was in the city though, I personally wouldn't let them off leash,but thats mostly because it would all be new to them. Any time we have traveled to dog shows, Harrison is always on a leash(unless hes zonked out on the grooming table!)

[ViralMD]

While training it's best to keep them leashed, so that they can get a GREAT treat (cheese, chicken, steak) IMMEDIATELY as they finish eliminating. NOT two seconds later - because if they're at a distance the connection will be made that they're getting a reward for coming to you. You need to be right there with them. And it also helps train them to do it on command. As soon as I say, 'Go potty!' Cyril starts searching for a vertical surface against which he can pee.

So when they do go, you can say, 'GOOD POTTY!' and they'll get the idea. But you need to be RIGHT THERE with them.

[Newsie96]

I'm hoping I can get Murphy go "go potty" on command once we'd mastered clicker training.

[Major Jack]

While training it's best to keep them leashed, so that they can get a GREAT treat (cheese, chicken, steak) IMMEDIATELY as they finish eliminating. NOT two seconds later - because if they're at a distance the connection will be made that they're getting a reward for coming to you. You need to be right there with them. And it also helps train them to do it on command. As soon as I say, 'Go potty!' Cyril starts searching for a vertical surface against which he can pee.

So when they do go, you can say, 'GOOD POTTY!' and they'll get the idea. But you need to be RIGHT THERE with them.

well all weekend as soon as i said good potty, they ran to me,....i did not have to comand the come here or whatever........

thanks for your input, its just hard to get them to both go when they want to be so far apart...guess i need to get longer leashes!

[ViralMD]

It doesn't matter what you say - dogs don't speak English. The fact of the matter is that you rewarded them when they came to you. THAT is what they will associate with a reward. Whether you say 'come' is IMMATERIAL. They'll associate recall (whatever you call it - you could call it 'Aunt Sally') and if they're coming to as you say it, THAT'S what they will think 'Aunt Sally' means. You need to stand right next to them so that as they're finishing you praise loudly and treat with GOOD (chicken, cheese, steak) treats. Stuff from the store isn't good enough. Really.