Toilet training is an essential part of your dog’s overall training, and teaching them to go on cue can be a useful tool in specific situations. If you have a service Dog then this skill is essential. Whether you’re traveling with your dog or need them to go quickly, having a cue for them to go can be beneficial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about teaching your dog to toilet on cue.
- Establish a Consistent Routine: Before you start teaching your dog to go on cue, you must establish a consistent routine for taking them outside. This will help your dog understand when it’s time to go and where they should go. Take your dog outside frequently, especially when they’re young, to help them establish good habits.
- Choose a Cue Word or Phrase: Choose a word or phrase that you will use as a cue to signal to your dog that it’s time to go. Common options include “go potty,” “do your business,” or “get busy.” Be consistent with your chosen cue word or phrase, using it every time you take your dog outside to go.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: When your dog starts to go after you give the cue, immediately praise and reward them. You can use treats, verbal praise, or petting to show your dog that they did a good job. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Repeat the process of giving the cue and rewarding your dog every time you take them outside to go. With consistent repetition, your dog will learn to associate the cue with the action of going to the bathroom.
- Gradually Reduce Rewards: Once your dog has learned to associate the cue with going to the bathroom, you can gradually reduce the use of treats as a reward. Instead, use verbal praise or petting to reinforce the behaviour.
It’s important to remember that toilet training takes time and patience, and every dog is different. Some dogs may learn quickly, while others may take longer to establish good habits. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
In summary, teaching your dog to toilet on command can be a helpful tool in establishing good toilet habits and can be useful in situations where you need your dog to go quickly or in specific locations. By establishing a consistent routine, using a cue or phrase, rewarding your dog, and repeating the process, you can help your dog learn to go on command. With patience and consistency, you’ll have a well-trained pup in no time!
