One of the biggest tools we have as dog trainers and as parents is our powers of observation. Observation helps us learn about our pet or child, and allows us to stop unwanted behavior as soon as it begins, and often before it even starts. When we have a puppy in the house, or a child at the potty-training age, this is especially important as we are trying to teach proper bathroom habits. Of course, the most important bathroom habit is being in the proper place to potty! For humans, that’s the bathroom, and for puppies, that’s outside the house (or in some cases, an inside litter box).
Most toddlers will stop what they are doing just before they urinate. Nearly all will stop what they are doing to defecate, and some will even try to go somewhere private. A puppy will start anxiously sniffing around, and if you know there is no food anywhere nearby, that is a good indication that they may need to go. At those times, if you are not watching, you may end up with a mess to clean up! Observation will also uncover certain patterns in your dog. Some puppies will need to go out about ten minutes after they eat, while some may be able to wait up to thirty minutes before feeling the urge. A friend discovered that her puppy would pee all over the floor when she got excited. She dealt with this by taking her pup outside just before she knew a guest was coming over. If I came over unexpectedly, it was understood that I would immediately grab the leash as soon as I walked in the door and take the puppy out. Of course, this understanding wouldn’t work with people you don’t know, but you might be able to convince your family and friends that regularly visit to call ahead if they don’t want to be standing in a puddle when they come in.
If you are able to be observant, you can watch for these cues, and rush the child to the bathroom, or rush the puppy outside. Even if the toddler doesn’t make it all the way to the toilet, just being in the bathroom can reinforce the association. And eventually, if you keep bringing the puppy outside (even if she’s dribbling all the way), she will get the idea that you want her to go outside before she GOES. If you get to know your animal’s habits and specific quirks, house training will go more smoothly and more successfully for you and your pet.