How to Potty Train a Schnauzer
Having a Schnauzer is one of the best feelings ever. Their love, their presence and the joy they bring to an owner or a family are truly priceless. However, Schnauzers can bring some unwanted gifts with them into the house if they are not potty trained. With patience, repetition and positive reinforcement, a Schnauzer can be potty trained quickly.
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Instructions
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Consult your veterinarian first. Checking the Schnauzer's health is important to be sure that he doesn't have an infection or other medical condition that may make controlling his bladder or bowels difficult. If there's a bladder infection, no matter how hard the Schnauzer tries, he won't be able to avoid urinating in the house and patience will wear thin.
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Positively associate a spot outside. Taking the Schnauzer to the same spot every ten minutes will begin to teach him the importance of this particular area. When he urinates or defecates in the spot, give him a treat and praise him. This will begin to associate this spot with his potty and a reward system. Make sure to start this process with a leash.
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Negatively reinforce going in the house. The Schnauzer will make a mistake and use the bathroom in the house. When this happens, immediately take the dog to the accident spot and repeatedly say "NO." Draw the Schnauzer's attention to the spot so he can smell what he's done and associate the act, the spot and the house with negative reaction. Then take the Schnauzer outside to the "good" spot and let it stay there for a few minutes.
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Stop using the leash. After multiple trips to both the good and bad spots, begin to use the leash less and less. This will require the Schnauzer to function on his own and to know when he has to go rather than expect the owner to know. Being aware of the positive and treat response outside, he will eventually come get someone or begin making noises alerting about to his needs outside.
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Repeat as long as necessary. Potty training a Schnauzer will require patience and repetition. Remember to reward success and discipline failure. Make sure everyone in the household and anyone involved stay repetitive in associating good spots and bad spots. Any break in the training could be a setback.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid being abusive in discipline.
