Potty Training

Most of the times I find that humans put their emotions onto their animals, in essence humanizing them instead of seeing them as capable animals in their own right. This can cause a multitude of issues to arise. With that being said, addressing the issue of potty training your new animal can be rather frustrating. In this case I AM going to relate it to the human parenting method of toilet training a child.

As you would never expect your toddler to jump up out of the blue and say “I’m gonna use the toilet to relieve myself now. I will aim perfectly, not make a mess of the toilet paper or bathroom, flush AND wash my hands after too!” (For those of you yet to get to the human potty training phase, trust me, this DOES NOT happen.) The same is true of your animal. It takes time to train them in the matter of what you would like to accomplish.

There are 2 simple keys, 1) Consistent & frequent potty times 2) Watch the intake between meals.

Start the morning by taking the first “potty break” before offering food or drink, and then every half hour after they eat until they have a bowl movement, repeat prior to dinner. Lastly, before bedtime. This consistency is imperative for a minimum of the first week. It is also important not rushing the time outside.

Every morning I begin by saying “let’s see what the morning brought us!” and as they stretch their sleepy selves and clunk down the stairs before heading out the door to use the potty. I watch to see if anyone squats or lifts and if so, praise follows! “Good job! That is where we go potty! Good job, Fido!” No treats necessary, as verbal praise means much more. Allowing Fido to roam or sniff around is important too. Although they appreciate the AC most love to just sniff and sit in the sun. Most humans are Vitamin D deficient due to being inside all day, so enjoy this bonding time. As I am writing this I am on my back deck with all the four-leggeds’ enjoying the garden.

Make sure the water bowl is not full or readily available in-between outside and eating times, and be very aware of your animals drinking habits. Leaving them a few ice cubes if you are away at work during the day, will be enough at this phase. At meal time allow full access to fresh water. Structuring drinking time will make the ‘potty sensation’ become more aware to them instead of an “oop’s.”

Before we turn in every night we say “Puppies go potty?” and as if there was some magic prize outside they all fly outside and potty. This is the consistency I was referring to. Every night, not just some nights we say this and sit outside for a good 10 minutes as the pack knows this is it until the morning.

As an animal communicator mine talk to me a lot, wake me up, etc. However, for those of you who don’t hear “voices”, the wee ones can be crated. This is a natural comfort to them and it teaches them this concept of holding it and the positive effects of den dwelling overnight.

Remember that keeping the yard clean is also VERY important because it can actually cost you a vet visit if you don’t and we all know those aren’t cheap! So scoop it up and discard it ASAP! Rubbing their nose in their feces is not only an awful idea, people spend hundreds trying to get their animals to stop eating their feces, but it also means their human is not paying attention to the animals cues. So don’t punish, put your aggression into becoming more aware of the “potty signs.” They all give them.

I’d love some input from readers! If you need more insight or perhaps have an issue you’d like to see written about just let me know!

Please comment below, or contact me @ nefeshchaya@hotmail.com . Each is appreciated and read!

Shalom!

Nefesh Chaya www.AnimalPsych.com