In this article I will give you details of a very easy and successful way of potty training a dog.

Set A Precedent

Potty training begins by always taking your dog to the area you want it to use. Allow your dog to explore this area but do not pat or play with your dog as this will signal playtime and this area is not for that. When your dog relieves itself in this area be sure to give it loads of praise and use the word you want to associate with going to the toilet i.e. "go toilet" or whatever you are comfortable with. Be sure to be consistent with your words and the tone you use so your dog gets to understand what is required of it. Consistency is one of the basic essentials in any type of dog training.

Crate training is acknowledged as one of the best techniques for potty training a dog. It's a way of controlling the dogs freedom when you are unable to keep a constant eye on it for signs that it needs the toilet.

Crate training works on the basis that a dog has an inbuilt dislike to toilet in the area it sleeps and as you are preventing its freedom of movement you are controlling the temptation to relieve itself in the wrong place. That said your dog will not hold on forever.

The Crate needs to be big enough to accomodate your dog's limited movement but not big enough to allow it to define a separate area as a toilet area. Buy a big enough crate to accomodate the adult dog but cut off part of it with a board. This will keep cost down as you then have the perfect bed area for your adult dog.

Ensure your dog stays in its crate all the time unless it is outside with you going to the toilet, outside playing, asleep or eating.

Your dog may not like going in for the first few times. Persevere and do not react to crying/whining. It won't take long for your dog to accept and come to love its crate as an area it can escape to for peace and quiet.

Make sure you place the crate in a busy, sociable area of your house as your dog prefers to see what's going on and be involved.

Handy Potty Training Facts

1. Always take your dog outside after playing and eating.

2. Watch for sniffing and circling as a sign that relief is imminent.

3. Aim to take your dog outside once every couple of hours unless sleeping.