October 07th, 2016

Pee NOW, Please!

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Dogs can be taught to potty on command.
 
People who show and compete with their dogs know this. If you enter a competition… you pay entry fees, you buy gas to travel out of town, you often stay one or two nights in a motel, you eat in restaurants… it gets expensive. So the LAST thing you want, after the expense and often waiting hours for your few minutes in front of the judge, is for your dog to relieve him- or herself in the ring. Because it can be distracting to the other canine competitors, pottying in the ring is an absolute NO-NO and will get you a big fat ZERO.
 
When I was competing in obedience and agility with Dancer, I always made sure she pottied before we were called into the ring. Even if she didn’t “need” to go, she would at least TRY. She would literally squat…. Even though nothing came out.

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​​​Click here to read more about pottying on command...

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Jetta and I lived in an apartment most of the time I had her, so she didn't have free access to a yard like my girls before her did. If she needed to go, then she would do so quickly when I told her to (usually within about 10-20 seconds and almost never longer than 30 seconds), which was important because I dreaded standing outside at midnight in the rain. I wanted her to get busy, get done, and get back inside.
 
If she didn't NEED to go, I'd tell her to try. Most of the time she’d squat. Nothing came out but she tried. Sometimes she’d just sit and look at me and I would know she didn't need to go and that was ok too.
 
Boy-dogs will also go on command, of course, and although I don't know from personal experience, I have been told they will also try, even if they don't NEED to… by hiking their legs, even if they produce nothing.
 
It’s a handy thing when you are making a quick stop while traveling or in a hurry to get off to work.

Most dogs know what "Go Potty" (or something equal to that) means. Now start using it as a command and expect the behavior like you would a SIT or a DOWN. Be generous with praise and while teaching, use lots of treats.

If you need help with this, call me. No charge!