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Potty training is one of the most important skills to teach your Sheltie. This not only ensures a clean home but also prevents health problems and unpleasant odors. However, it can be challenging and time-consuming. If you’re struggling with potty training your Sheltie, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Fortunately, there are some secrets to quickly potty training your Sheltie that can make the process much easier and more effective. In this article, we will share seven secrets that will help you potty train your Sheltie and make your life easier.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Sheltie, 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 Sheltie Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Sheltie, 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Sheltie 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 Sheltie’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Sheltie’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 Sheltie quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your Sheltie to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Sheltie, 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 Sheltie’s Freedom
As your Sheltie 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 Sheltie know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie
How do I know when my Sheltie needs to go potty?
Some signs that a Sheltie needs to go potty include circling or sniffing around, whimpering or barking, and standing by the door. It’s important to pay attention to your Sheltie’s body language and behavior to identify when they need to go.
At what age should I begin potty training a Sheltie puppy?
It’s recommended to start potty training a Sheltie puppy as early as 8 weeks old. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successfully potty training a Sheltie puppy.
How can I potty train an adult Sheltie?
Potty training an adult Sheltie may take more time and patience, but the same principles apply to a puppy. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are important. Establishing a routine and monitoring Sheltie’s behavior can also be helpful.
How long does it take to potty train a Sheltie puppy?
The time it takes to potty train a Sheltie puppy can vary depending on the individual dog and the consistency of training. However, with proper training and consistency, many Sheltie puppies can be potty trained within a few weeks to a few months.
How often should I take my Sheltie outside for potty breaks?
Puppies typically need to go outside for potty breaks every 1-2 hours, while adult Shelties may be able to hold it for longer periods of time. It’s important to monitor your Sheltie’s behavior and establish a consistent routine for potty breaks.
How should I potty train my Sheltie in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
Apartment potty training can be challenging, but there are several options for potty training a Sheltie without a yard. Puppy pads or artificial grass can be used indoors, and taking the Sheltie for regular walks outside can also help establish a routine for potty breaks. Consistency and patience are key to successfully potty training a Sheltie in an apartment.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Sheltie?
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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie can be a challenging process, but with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, it can be achieved quickly and effectively. By following the seven secrets outlined in this article, you can set your Sheltie up for success and create a strong foundation for good potty habits. Remember to be consistent with your training, reward good behavior, and provide plenty of opportunities for your Sheltie to go potty outside. With time and effort, you can successfully potty train your Sheltie and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your furry companion.
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