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Potty training a Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, can be challenging, but it is essential for a happy and healthy coexistence with your furry friend. Many owners struggle with housebreaking their puppies or adult dogs, but there are tips and tricks that can help speed up the process. In this article, we’ll explore seven secrets to quickly potty training your Dogue de Bordeaux. These tips can help you to establish good habits and routines and make the potty training process a smoother and more efficient experience for both you and your dog.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Dogue de Bordeaux, 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 Dogue de Bordeaux Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Dogue de Bordeaux, 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Dogue de Bordeaux’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 Dogue de Bordeaux quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your Dogue de Bordeaux to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Dogue de Bordeaux, 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 Dogue de Bordeaux’s Freedom
As your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeauxand 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux
How do I know when my Dogue De Bordeaux needs to go potty?
You can look out for signs such as restlessness, sniffing around, circling or scratching at the door, or sudden alertness. Puppies may also whine, whimper, or bark to indicate they need to go out.
At what age should I begin potty training a Dogue De Bordeaux puppy?
You should start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, ideally between 8-12 weeks old when they have enough control over their bladder and bowels.
How can I potty train an adult Dogue De Bordeaux?
You can follow similar techniques as with a puppy, but it may take longer and require more patience and consistency. It’s essential to identify any underlying medical issues that could be causing accidents and address them.
How long does it take to potty train a Dogue De Bordeaux puppy?
The timeframe can vary depending on the puppy’s age, temperament, and consistency of training. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully potty train a puppy.
How often should I take my Dogue De Bordeaux outside for potty breaks?
Puppies should be taken out every hour or two, or after eating, drinking, playing, or napping. As they get older, you can gradually increase the time between potty breaks. Adult dogs may need to go out 3-5 times a day.
How should I potty train my Dogue De Bordeaux in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
You can use pee pads, take your puppy outside for walks, or create a designated potty area on a balcony or terrace. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and frequent trips outside are essential to successful apartment potty training.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Dogue de Bordeaux?
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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By following the seven secrets outlined in this article, you can effectively and efficiently potty train your furry friend, no matter their age or living situation. Remember to establish a routine, provide frequent opportunities for your dog to go outside, and reward good behavior. With time and effort, you can successfully teach your Dogue de Bordeaux to eliminate outside and avoid accidents indoors. The key is to stay dedicated and committed to the training process, and with these tips and tricks, you and your furry friend can achieve potty training success.
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