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Potty training your Chinese Crested is a critical task for any responsible pet owner. However, it can be challenging and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are many proven techniques and tips that you can use to make the process easier and faster. In this article, we will share seven secrets to quickly potty train your Chinese Crested. These tips are designed to help you recognize when your pet needs to go potty, determine the best age to start training, teach adult dogs new habits, reduce the time it takes to train your puppy, determine the right frequency for potty breaks, and teach your dog to potty indoors when you don’t have a yard.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Chinese Crested, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.
1. Start Potty Training Your Chinese Crested Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Chinese Crested, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Chinese Crested to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Chinese Crested Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Chinese Crested successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Chinese Crested’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Chinese Crested’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Chinese Crested quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your Chinese Crested to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Chinese Crested, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Chinese Crested’s Freedom
As your Chinese Crested becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Chinese Crested know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Chinese Crested to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
7. Be Patient with Your Chinese Crested and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Chinese Crested for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Chinese Crested is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Chinese Crested quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Chinese Crested
How do I know when my Chinese Crested needs to go potty?
As with any breed, it’s important to observe your Chinese Crested for signs that they need to go potty. These signs may include restlessness, sniffing around, circling, or whining. It’s important to take them outside immediately when you notice these behaviors.
At what age should I begin potty training a Chinese Crested puppy?
It’s best to start potty training your Chinese Crested puppy as early as possible, ideally around 8-10 weeks old. Puppies have a small bladder and need to go more frequently, so it’s important to establish a routine early on.
How can I potty train an adult Chinese Crested?
Potty training an adult Chinese Crested is similar to training a puppy. You’ll need to establish a routine, use positive reinforcement, and closely observe your dog for signs that they need to go potty. With consistency and patience, an adult Chinese Crested can be successfully potty trained.
How long does it take to potty train a Chinese Crested puppy?
The time it takes to potty train a Chinese Crested puppy can vary depending on the individual dog and the consistency of training. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully potty train a puppy.
How often should I take my Chinese Crested outside for potty breaks?
It’s recommended to take your Chinese Crested outside for a potty break every 2-3 hours, as well as after meals, naps, and playtime. As your puppy gets older, they may be able to hold it for longer periods of time.
How should I potty train my Chinese Crested in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
Potty training a Chinese Crested in an apartment without a yard requires a bit of creativity. You can use puppy pads or a designated potty area outside your apartment. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key, and it’s important to establish a routine and take your dog outside or to the designated potty area frequently.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Chinese Crested?
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Chinese Crested quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
In conclusion, potty training a Chinese Crested can be a challenging task but with the right approach, consistency, and patience, it is achievable. By understanding their natural instincts, establishing a routine, using positive reinforcement, and being attentive to their cues, you can successfully potty train your Chinese Crested. Additionally, crate training and managing their diet and water intake can aid in the process. Remember to be persistent, and do not give up on your Chinese Crested, and with time and effort, you will have a well-trained and well-behaved furry friend.
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