Potty on Command??

[Rachel27]

I was in the Chit-Chat corner and read of dogs "pottying on command". Is this possible?? How on earth do you teach your dog to do this? If I could teach our pup (14 wks.) to do this, I would be in heaven. Sometimes she goes immediately, and other times, she sniffs and sniffs and sniffs and it seems like forever till she finds the most perfect spot on the lawn. How do you teach this behavior??? I would be very appreciative of some suggestions.
I should mention, she is already completely housebroken, am I too late?

[SarasMom]

It's quite easy, really.

Just pick a word or phrase, like "go potty".
Some others are "hockey", I use "dog business".

Just repeat that phrase every time your dog goes. Pretty soon, she will associate that phrase with voiding, and will do so when you say it.

[blazer]

I taught mine to go to the command of "bathroom" "hurry" and when he went "bathroom" I gave him a treat, I kept this up until he got the idea. He learned quicker than I thought he would. I even taught Damien that when he wants to go out he would bring me his leash.

[Teena]

Axel picked this up very easy as well. What i did was praise him with an excited very happy voice every time he went potty outside. I'd tell him he was a GOOOOD PUPPY for going potty outside!!! Soon, all i had to say was go potty Axel & he would.
Teena

[Tomuchtax]

I have one spot in my yard , Where she goes.
this make it much more easy then picking up after her on walks. We started as a 10 week old pup saying "Go Ahead" over and over as she goes. Now it no problem at all.

[WorkinDogz]

Sure can be done I use "take a break".

Sometimes (when I'm getting ready to take the field to trial or train) I can't wait for my (especially males) dog to find that perfect blade of grass to pee on that will save the world from mass destruction. I need them to pee; and pee quickly please.

It's just conditioning; take them out; attach a word or phrase to it; praise when they do it. Doesn't take long and sure can cut down on being late for work b/c you were standing there waiting for your dog to pee

You can condition your dog to do virtually ANYTHING. I know a gentleman who taught his Rottie to circle any female that he thought was cute (he was single mind you..lol) and before ya know it; Mike was "apologizing" that his silly, silly dog wrapped her up with the leash. (He did this with a "look" to the dog.)

He also taught the dog to "act out" a play. Mike was the narrator and Nero was the actor. The dog limped on command (keywords used in the narration were commands and the dog did it with BOTH legs) hung his head when he was "sad" on command, and such a variety of things it was most impressive.

Mike was very committed in his belief that a Rottie needs to have their mind worked in areas other than just the typical commands.

ALL of his dogs (including his pets) had what he called "mind broadening commands".

We always looked forward to seeing what Mike taught his dogs "this week".

[This message has been edited by WorkinDogz (edited September 16, 2000).]

[WorkinDogz]

OH! He also taught the dog to "smile" (raise his lip) when someone called him a "dog". Nero preferred "K9 Gentleman"

It was just tooooo funny.

[JonandMichelle]

Yeppers, mine is "Go potty," and "hurry up." Well, not mine. My dog's It can be done

[Rachel27]

Thanks everyone!! We're trying, using the phrase "hurry-up". I dont know if I'm imagining this, but since the day I posted this, we've religiously been saying this every time she goes out, and I think she is catching on already. Seems as though she is going much faster. She is soooo smart!!!

Do you use the same phrase "hurry-up" for both pee and BM? Or does this confuse them?

[ryand]

My biggest problem has been to get him to on the cement instead of the grass when there is none around! He knows the command, but ignores me! Especially since Titus is just a puppy and hes waiting to get his last vaccination! =)

[Cassie's Mom]

Cassie seemed to catch on to this quickly. We use 'go pee' and she does. We take her out to the same place in the yard while she is on her leash. We do this before we go for a car ride and before we go for a walk. She also has a favorite place in the back yard she does all her business.