Outdoors With The Potty Patch

Is it time to train your dog to stop using potty patches and go outside? Although it might seem like a daunting task, using potty patches outdoors is simpler than it seems. Once your dog has learned to use potty patches inside, it should be no trouble to get him or her to go to the bathroom outside. As with all training techniques you must be consistent. Once you decide to stop using potty patches and go outside, you must continually reinforce the rules with the potty patch, or you will only serve to confuse your pet.

   Begin by moving the potty patch close to the door where he normally exists to go outside. Ensure that he or she sees you moving the potty patch so that he isn’t confused when he goes to his normal potty patch spot. When he goes to use his potty patch, pick him up without startling him and take him outside. After choosing the place where you will want to keep a potty patch permanently, show him the spot. It is helpful to bring the potty patch outside with you at this point to show him what is expected of him.

   Using a soiled potty patch can aid in outdoor transitions.  Dogs rely mostly on scent.  Let him sniff around the potty patch. If he goes to the bathroom outside, reward him. Make a fuss. If he’s outside for three or four minutes and hasn’t relieved himself on the potty patch, take him back inside and try again in ten minutes. Even though you are now teaching your pup to relieve himself outside, there is no need to punish him for using the pee pad. You may want him or her to use the pee pad indoors in the future. There will always be ideal times for your dog to use the potty patch – rainy days and extended stays indoors are prime examples. Praising your puppy when he complies with the new routine has far greater benefits than scolding when he does what you previously taught him to do with a potty patch.

   All puppies are different and how quickly they catch on to the idea of transitioning from the potty patch to going outside will vary. Soon you will be able to use potty patches on rainy days and late nights, but your pup will also know how to go to the bathroom outside.