Is it possible that you can potty train your dog without a crate? What are the alternatives or tips you can use to succeed in potty training your furry pet?
The only key to potty train your dog without using a crate is to constantly supervise your furry pet. Meaning you will do the teaching in potty training your furry pal.
In supervising your dog, you need a lot of patience because it will not be easy at first. Your dog will not learn it easily, but with your consistent supervision, you will succeed in potty training without using a crate. Hooray!
According to experts, it is recommended that you start potty training your dog at 12 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Yes, it is during the puppy stage that you teach your pet how to potty train. Because at that age, your puppy can control his or her bladder and bowel movements.
If you adopted a dog at 16 weeks older, you can still potty train him or her. It’s just you need to train your furry pet longer compared to puppies who are 12 weeks to 16 weeks of age.
Eight Tips to Potty Train your Dog without Using A Crate
1. Pick a cue word
It is recommended that you choose a cue word in potty training your dog without using a crate. For example, you can use the word “pee” for urinating and “poop” for defecating. If your furry pet is already in the spot where he or she can urinate and defecate, start saying “pee” and “poo”.
If they urinate or defecate praise them and give a dog treat as a reward for a job well done! Consistently do this until your dog is used to urinate and defecate in the same spot.
2. Establish a schedule or routine
Establish a schedule of a daily routine for your dog, they will surely love it! Mealtime, walking, and playtime are the things your dog loves to do. Bring your pet for an outdoor walk and teach him or her to urinate or defecate during his walk outside. Religiously doing this will make your dog realize that during walking, he or she is allowed to “pee” and “poop”.
3. For those with garage or yard, train your dog to use the yard or garage for urinating and defecating
You can set a schedule for “pee” and “poop” time at the garage or at your yard. For example, when your dog wakes up, make sure to bring him or her to your yard or garage. Mention your cue word for urinating and defecating so your dog will have a signal that he or she can release relief.
Consistency is the key for you to be successful in doing this technique. Never miss a day in doing this technique, if you want your dog to be potty trained in the garage or yard.
4. Train your dog to use potty pads and potty spray when indoors
For those who prefer their furry pets to be potty trained indoors, there are potty pads readily available in the market. Use a potty train sprayer and spray it in the potty pads. Make sure that the potty spray was sprayed only in the potty pads, not on its surroundings (P.S. Spraying the potty spray at the wrong spot will make him urinate or defecate on it).
This way your dog will know that the potty pad is the spot for urination and defecation. If you see your furry pet urinating or defecating in the potty pads, praise him or her and give a dog treat as a reward.
5. Use an artificial grass lawn for indoor training
One way to potty train a dog indoor is by using an artificial grass lawn because it is a dog’s instinct that they urinate and empty their bowel in grasses. Place the synthetic grass lawn in a spot on where your dog would usually urinate or defecate.
Some pet owners prefer to place it inside the bathroom so that their furry pal will urinate or defecate there. Make sure your dog knows where the synthetic grass lawn is. Again, if you see your furry pal urinating or defecating in the synthetic grass lawn, praise him or her and give a dog treat as a reward.
6. Be familiarized with the behavioral signs of your dog
Whenever your dog is potty trained, you will observe behavioral signs when he or she wants to release relief.
Below is the list of the possible behavioral signs you will see with your dog:
• Sits or stays near the door
• Paces around
• Whines in front of you
• Stares at you
• Growls or barks at you
• Follows you
If you see one of these behavioral signs, take him out because obviously, he wants to urinate or defecate. Remember, if your dog is potty trained they will try to hold it as much as possible. If for example they accidentally urinate or defecate in your room, chances are they gave you the signals but you didn’t notice it.
7. Use positive reinforcements
Positive reinforcement is one technique that can make you successful in potty training your dog without using a crate. Even a dog does not want negative reinforcements. Of course, who does?
Praising your dog when he or she urinates and defecates in the right spot is a must. Also giving rewards such as dog treats or chew bone can help to successfully potty train your dog without using a crate.
8. Be patient
As we all say, patience is a virtue. Yes! In potty training your dog without a crate, you need a lot of patience. It is not easy to teach dogs on potty training especially we don’t share the same language. You have to do it over and over again until your dog finally learns it.
Remember, not all dogs are potty trained because their owners gave up teaching them. If you want your dog to be potty trained, then be patient!
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