Paws-itive Potty Training Guiding Your Stubborn Pup Towards Service Dog Success.pdf

Training Your Older Dog for Service A Practical Guide Empowering Senior Paws for a Purposeful Life: Learn practical, step-by-step methods for how to train an older dog, ensuring lasting results and a well-behaved companion.

1. Paws-itive Potty
Training
Guiding Your Stubborn Pup Towards
Service Dog Success

2. Why Potty Training Matters for Service Dogs
Potty training is more than just keeping your home clean – it's
a foundational skill for future service dogs.
Builds self-control and focus – essential qualities for service
work
Establishes communication patterns between handler and
dog
Ensures public access readiness – service dogs must
reliably eliminate on command
Creates a foundation for more complex training tasks
"A well-trained service dog begins with mastering the basics."
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3. Understanding Stubbornness in Puppies
Not all puppies learn at the same pace. Understanding the
root causes of stubbornness helps develop effective training
strategies.
Breed Tendencies: Some breeds (terriers, hounds) are
naturally more independent and require consistent
training approaches.
Past Experiences: Previous negative associations with
elimination or training can create resistance.
Personality Traits: Just like humans, dogs have unique
personalities that affect their learning style.
Developmental Stage: Puppies under 12 weeks have
limited physical control and shorter attention spans.
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4. Setting the Stage for Success
Creating the right environment is crucial for successful potty
training, especially for future service dogs.
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Consistent Schedule: Feed at the same times daily and
take out immediately after meals, naps, and play.
2
Designated Potty Spot: Use the same area each time to
create a strong association.
3
Crate Training: Leverages a dog's natural denning instinct
and builds bladder control.
4
Service Dog Connection: These routines build the self-
discipline needed for service work.
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5. Effective Training Techniques
Positive, consistent approaches are most effective for
stubborn puppies and future service dogs.

Positive Reinforcement: Use high-value treats and
enthusiastic praise immediately after successful
elimination in the correct spot.

Supervision & Tethering: Keep puppy within sight or
tethered to you to prevent accidents and catch "pre-
potty" signals.

No-Punishment Approach: Never scold for accidents;
instead, interrupt gently and move outside. Punishment
creates fear and confusion.

Consistency: Use the same commands, routines, and
reward systems to build reliable patterns.
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6. Leash Walking & Building Foundation Skills

7. Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Even the most promising service dog candidates face
setbacks during training. Here's how to address them:
Regression Return to basics, increase supervision,
and reinforce successes. Patience is key.
Marking in the
House
Clean thoroughly with enzymatic
cleaner and temporarily restrict access
to marked areas.
Anxiety-Based
Accidents
Identify triggers, create a calmer
environment, and gradually desensitize.
When to Seek HelpConsult a vet if sudden changes occur
or a professional trainer if no progress
after 2-3 weeks of consistent effort.
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8. Advanced Tips for Service Dog Prospects
Moving beyond basic potty training to develop skills
specifically needed for service work:
"Go Potty" on Command: Teaching elimination on
verbal cue allows handlers to manage timing in public
settings.

Surface Generalization: Gradually introduce different
surfaces (grass, concrete, gravel) to prepare for diverse
environments.

Environmental Distractions: Practice in increasingly
distracting environments while maintaining focus on
the task.

Extended Duration Training: Gradually increase time
between potty breaks to build bladder control for
longer working periods.

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9. Conclusion: Building a Foundation
Successful potty training is about much more than cleanliness
—it's about building the foundation for a reliable service dog.
Potty training develops self-control and focus that transfers
to all service tasks
The communication system established during potty
training becomes the basis for all future training
A dog that can reliably eliminate on cue in appropriate
locations is prepared for public access work
The patience and consistency required mirrors the
approach needed for all service dog training
"The journey from stubborn puppy to reliable service dog
begins with mastering these foundational skills. With
patience and the right techniques, even the most resistant
puppy can become an exceptional service partner."
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10. Get the Complete Guide Today!
Ready to unlock your dog's full potential? These tips are just the beginning.