 Pet Talk - Pet Health by Dr. Fran Good Ketchikan, Alaska March 21, 2002
If he hasn't squatted or lifted his leg (rare in young, young males -starts to show up around 4 months of age, sometimes never happens) in four or five minutes, take him back inside. And now, you're going to watch him very, very carefully or you're going to crate him and take him out again in an hour (or before if he's whining or pacing in the crate). He's going to have to go pretty soon, he just hasn't learned the wonderful things that happen when he does it right. So he starts sniffing again, or an hour goes by in the crate. Leash him up again, make him dance at The Door or ring his bell, take him to the Potty. This time, he squats, and starts to pee. Alright! Now you're getting somewhere. You're going to pick a couple key words to use here. 'Go Potty'. 'Hurry up'. 'Eat Frogs'. It doesn't matter, as long as they're the same each time Not so loudly that he stops peeing, stands up and says 'What?'; just loudly enough that he can hear it. You're teaching him to urinate on command, something that'll come in handy on road trips, when you're at rest stops, and you don't want to wait an hour for him to go. Now he's done it. And he's done it right. But how does he know he's done it right? Because you're going to tell him so, unmistakably. In the most excited voice you can come up with, you are going to tell Rover that he is the Best Dog in the Whole World, and that you Love Him for being a Good Dog. And to make sure he gets the message, with no room for misunderstanding, you're going to give him a yummy treat along with the requisite ear-scratches and side thumps. Now, and only now, you can take off the leash and play in the yard, or leave the leash on and go for a walk in the neighborhood. The message you're sending is clear: Potty first, then play. Next episode: What happens
when he does it wrong... Note: Puppy Photo by Gigi Pilcher
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Last week, Rover had
let you know he had to go outside, or you took him out for his
hourly potty run (your daytime schedule when you are home, until
he is securely potty-trained), but when you got out to the Potty,
he did everything but pee. He chased raindrops and bugs, watched
the leaves fall, romped and tried to play with you, but showed
no interest in urinating. That's OK.