If you come home to find your dog has once again mistaken your bed for his potty, you're probably not a happy camper. After scolding him the first time, you thought his inappropriate elimination would stop. What you might not know, is that you might have reinforced his behavior. To correct your pet companion, do everything in your power to keep him off the bed and redirect him to a desired potty area. Be consistent and stop wasting time punishing him -- focus on emphasizing good behavior instead.
Clean your dog's accidents with an enzymatic cleanser. This will get rid of the smell of feces and urine, which might otherwise motivate your pet companion to eliminate in the same area again. Put any soiled cleaning rags in your dog's designated potty area to help stimulate him to eliminate in this area.
Watch your dog like a hawk so you can catch him jumping on the bed. When he does, say "no," and put him back on the floor if he doesn't get down by himself. Give him a treat when his feet are on the floor and bring him to his designated potty area. Once there, tell him "go potty," and when he does, reward him with hugs and treats.
Block your pet companion's access to the bed. Close the bedroom door or use a baby gate to block the entrance. Place an upside-down carpet runner on the bed so it's uncomfortable to jump and lounge on.
Look for signs that your dog has to go potty so you can prevent accidents. He might start circling, whining, pacing or sniffing profusely. Clap your hands to startle him and say "outside." Bring him to his designated potty. Say "go potty," and reward him immediately after he finishes doing his business.
Create a daily routine for your dog so it becomes predictable when it's time to go potty. Feed him at the same times each day and walk him after each feeding. Also walk him first thing in the morning, before bedtime and before and after confinement.
Tips
Inform all family members that your dog isn't allowed on the bed. If one person allows him on the bed, it ruins the training and potty accidents are bound to happen.
When you can't observe your dog, confine him to a crate so he can't poop or pee on the bed or anywhere else in the house.
Tips
Inform all family members that your dog isn't allowed on the bed. If one person allows him on the bed, it ruins the training and potty accidents are bound to happen.
When you can't observe your dog, confine him to a crate so he can't poop or pee on the bed or anywhere else in the house.
Items You Will Need
- Enzymatic cleanser
- Dog treats
- Baby gate
- Carpet runner
References
Tips
- Inform all family members that your dog isn't allowed on the bed. If one person allows him on the bed, it ruins the training and potty accidents are bound to happen.
- When you can't observe your dog, confine him to a crate so he can't poop or pee on the bed or anywhere else in the house.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.