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Puppy potty training tips – plus dog food recalls.

Does your dog need to go back to school?

August 29, 2023

In this Issue

  • 🚽 Potty training your pup

  • ❓ Poll results

  • 💡 Sit & Stay Pro Tip

  • 👨🏻‍⚕️ Dog food recalls

  • 😊The Smile Section

  • 👩‍⚕️Vet Recommendations

  • 🛒 Product of the week

  • 🍫 Treats

When we think of housetraining or housebreaking dogs, we tend to think of it as part of puppy training. After all, older dogs should know when and where to use the bathroom, right?

We know that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a new environment or changes to an existing environment can disrupt a dog’s training, as can new developmental urges like marking territory. If you have a dog who was potty trained until recently, we always recommend visiting the vet to rule out health problems.

Otherwise, feel free to send your dog “back to school” and apply the following training tips to pups of any age.

Poll Results

We asked, and you answered. Most of your dogs jump because they’re excited or saying hello!

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — How to House Train Your Dog

It’s easy to love dogs, but it’s hard to love the way they smell. At least, it’s hard to love how some of their bodily functions smell – especially when that function happens on your floor. Put these tips to use early on to ensure you and your dog are on the same page regarding when and where they do their business.

  1. Choose where you want your dog to go.

Do you want your dog to go outdoors or on a puppy pad? Where outdoors do you want them to go? You can let your dog wander your yard or choose a particular spot. Lead your dog straight to that spot every time they need to go; with positive reinforcement, they will decide to go there themselves.

  1. Set a feeding and bathroom schedule.

According to multiple sources, like Pet MD, dogs will feel the urge to use the bathroom about half an hour after eating. The AKC states that most dogs will need to urinate 3-5 times per day. Puppies have smaller bladders, so they may need to go more often. Keep all of this in mind when you set your dog's feeding and potty schedule, and keep that schedule consistent.

  1. Consider crate training.

Dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom in their den. At least, not where they have to deal with it directly. If you keep your dog in an appropriately sized crate where they cannot avoid their mess, they will be more likely to wait until you get home and let them out instead of eliminating. It’s best not to put bedding in the crate with them, as it’s absorbent and makes it easier for them to ignore.

  1. Never punish your dog for making a mess.

It’s tempting to rub your dog’s nose in their mess, but don’t. They don’t understand they’re in trouble for pooping in the house. They may, in fact, decide they’re in trouble for going to the bathroom, period, and become reluctant to go even when and where you want them to. That can result in them holding it and having more accidents.

In short, coming down hard on your pup for potty accidents can backfire in a big way. Be patient. Potty training your pup is a process.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

In an effort to help keep our pups safe, Sit & Stay will now feature dog food and supplement recalls and advisories in each issue, sourced from the FDA website.

Here are the recalls and advisories announced in August 2023:

Poll

The Smile Section

Vet Recommendations — Canine Urinary Incontinence

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has an article discussing potential reasons for canine urinary incontinence and treatment options. Read more about the condition here.

Product of the Week

Nature’s Miracle Dog Oxy Set-in Stain Destroyer is one of the best products on the market for getting rid of pet stains and odor, and it smells amazing.

This product is just $14.49 on Amazon and you can save even more with subscribe & save – although hopefully these training tips will make it so you don’t have to use this very often.

Treats

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!