December 1, 2020

Learn To Enjoy Walking Your Dog | Dog Training

Why Your Dog Shouldn’t Potty On Walks

X Marks The Spot

Cocker Spaniel English, Dog, Cocker Spaniel, Coker Does it seem like sometimes you don’t really enjoy walking your dog? They may pull you around everywhere, sniffing everything and it seems more like a hassle than relief.

It’s in the natural instinct of a dog’s mind, male or female, to claim something as their own by “marking their territory.” That’s why they may stop and pee on something every few feet.

Although it may seem like a ‘normal’ behavior, it can prove to be pretty troublesome. Because the next round of dogs who may come up and sniff that spot, will mark their territory too.

Establishing Territory | What It Really Means

Now you may think, “So, what?” but it’s important to know what establishing territory really means. In hindsight it may not seem like a big deal, but this marking process will start to create frustration and animosity with your dog. Especially if it’s in a spot that you frequent daily.

Once you go out on the next walk and pass that spot your dog previously marked, they may smell another dog, feeling the need to further prove themselves.

On the occasion that one of the other dogs happens to pass through that area with (or without) their owner at the same time as you walk your dog, it could very well result in an altercation. We want you to be able to enjoy walking your dog EVERY day, not just some days.

DPZ | Designated Potty Zone

Not only is it a good idea to avoid any type of territorial scuffle with another passerby, but who wants to carry around a bag of poo? I don’t, and I’d bet you really don’t either. That doesn’t scream “enjoyable” to me.

Especially if you’re hauling around a baby stroller, keeping your eye on younger kids, or any other distraction. Much less having to subject yourself with waving at your neighbor as your dog does their business. — We’ve all been there.

The best way to begin this training is choosing a spot that is in YOUR yard that your dog is allowed to potty in before your walk. *If you don’t have a yard, keep reading. We got you!*

This can be an established part of the yard such as the full front or back yard, or just a designated area you can guide them to.

You’re showing them that this spot is indeed theirs. They can pee, poo, whatever they want to do here in this area. The mailbox or tree or fire hydrant during walks is NOT theirs. But the spot in their own yard is.

This helps with not pulling you in a million different directions too.

No Yard? | No Problem

If you don’t have a yard, don’t fret. We know a lot of people who own dogs live in apartments, condos, or places where their own personal grass space isn’t available.

All you’ll need to do in this case is pick a spot along your walk route and make sure your dog knows that is the ONLY spot they are allowed to potty in. Designated Potty Zone.

Remember that all training requires consistency.

You are the adult, and the only way your dog will be successful is if you hold them accountable.

As we always say, your dog has the IQ of a toddler. That doesn’t mean they aren’t smart, they are! But we still want you to treat them like a kid in the sense of guiding them to do what is appropriate rather than letting them act on their urges unfettered.

But My Dog Will ONLY Potty On Walks!

Exercise is always meant to get the body going. We, as human beings, have all the same side effects when we begin to put our body into motion just as dogs do. But we don’t just eliminate ourselves in the middle of the park during our run, or in a parking lot while shopping…we hold it.

Your dog is 100% capable of not only doing the same, but understanding that there is a time and a place. Before their walk AND in their own designated area.

Teaching The Process

Do not go out on a walk until your dog has relieved themselves in their potty zone.

If you’re standing out with your dog for five, ten minutes and they haven’t gone potty – take them right back in. We suggest you crate them for 10, 15, maybe 20 minutes. Then try again.

If you find it more beneficial to put your dog on leash instead of watching them like a hawk, that’s perfectly fine too. A 6ft swivel around you to potty is definitely enough room.

Their reward? The walk! Your reward? Enjoy walking your dog!

Happy Dog, Happy Human, Happy Life

Once you implement this change, you’ll begin to notice how much more enjoyable your daily walks will be. Not just you as the human, but your dog’s demeanor as well. They’ll no longer feel disrespected over another dog “marking territory” or spending countless minutes sniffing around to find something to claim.