It is a common misconception that when your puppy has an accident while potty training, that rubbing their nose on the mess while voicing your displeasure will teach them that the behavior is undesirable.
However, it is more likely that should you choose this response, your puppy’s training will be adversely affected and make potty training in the long run. Here are some reasons why the practice is not good for your or your puppy – and some ideas as to properly address the problem.
Why Not to “Rub Their Nose in It”
I think we can all agree that rubbing a puppy’s nose in their own feces is not only gross, its just plain mean. These little ones are just learning, and getting poop in their nose is unsanitary and unnecessary. Even if it worked, it is not a very nice way to train the newest member of your family.
Dogs learn by association. That is, they learn by your positive or negative reaction to an action they just performed. However, if your puppy peed on the floor while you were out shopping, and you yell at them 2 hours later, they are not likely to associate your displeasure with their action of two hours ago. We know that rewarding an animal for good behavior must be immediate to be effective, and the same goes for correction of inappropriate or undesirable behavior.
In fact, your puppy may associate your yelling at them with the fact that they just greeted you at the front door. Imagine their confusion when their favorite human is angry because they were excited to see you? Reacting to an accident even minutes after it happens is unlikely to have any positive training effect, as the dog is not likely to associate the two events. As far as they know, this crazy human is yelling and rubbing their nose in a puddle of pee just because they said hello to you.
There is another possible effect of shaming the dog in regards to poop or pee – your puppy may begin to associate these things with your displeasure, and may seek hiding places in order to go potty. If they think you are angry because they go potty, they may go under the bed, behind the couch, or in some other place they think they are safe.
Correction Always Works Better Than Punishment
Gentle correction is always better than any form of negative reaction or punishment. We all learn better this way. Remember that a puppy is not even fully capable of completely controlling their bladder until 6 months old, so accidents will happen. But training a dog on the proper place to potty takes patience.
Crating your puppy is one of the best ways to teach him not to potty in the house. Dogs don’t like to defecate where they live, so to speak. Therefore the puppy will try not to go, and you can let him out into the yard frequently in order to pee or poop. Praise him liberally when he does so, and he will very soon learn what makes you happy. Ultimately, dogs are successfully trained mainly because of their intense desire to please you. Therefore your best training method is effusive praise for the right action.
Older Dogs Have Accidents Too
If you have an adult dog who suddenly begins having accidents, never assume they are deciding to behave badly. Although there may be instances that a life change has caused them to act out, it is also possible (and probable) that they may have a medical condition. If an otherwise obedient and well-trained dog begins this behavior, don’t get mad. Call a veterinarian.
Overall, dogs (like people) respond to love, firm direction, and forgiveness for mistakes. For more assistance with Sarasota or Bradenton puppy training or obedience classes, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training.
