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Posted by JMM on October 9, 2009, 12:21 pm, in reply to "Italian Greyhound"
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I find using the crate method to be most effective. Regardless of the breed, there are a few rules to stick to.
1. REWARD! Take your dog to the potty place and stay with it. Have a tasty food reward and praise when he goes in the right place. A dog is more likely to repeat a behavior that has a positive reinforcer paired with it.
2. SUPERVISION/CONFINEMENT. If you are not literally looking at your dog, your dog needs to be in a safe, confined place. For most dogs a crate that is big enough for them to lay down comfortably is ideal. You can make the crate a happy, positive treat by feeding meals there, tossing toys and treat there, and having special food-stuffed toys only brought out when its time to go in the crate. Some dogs do okay with a larger area like a bathroom gated off or an exercise pen. If your dog will urinate or defecate in the area, make it smaller. Removing bedding can also make the surface less attractive to go on. If you are not actively supervising your dog, it should be confined.
3. SCHEDULE/CONSISTENCY. Put your dog on a schedule. Write it out and put it on your fridge. Check it off as you go every day. Time for waking up, eating, potty, play, crate, etc. This will help your dog's body adjust to knowing when it should have to go. Dogs thrive on consistency. The more consistency in schedule, rewarding potty, and supervision you are the faster your dog will learn.
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