Help! My Dog is A Picky Pottier!
Dogs can be extremely picky when it comes to where they want to go potty. Why on earth do they spend so much time thinking about a good spot and then go in circles sniffing around until they find the most ideal spot? It is such a weird thing to witness, but it is a part of their life. We have some very insightful information which can help you along the way!
Let’s get down to some of the starters. Going potty is much more meaningful to dogs compared to humans. From a dog’s mindset, eliminating means much more than getting rid of their earlier meals. Oddly enough, going potty is a dog’s way of communicating. Dogs are blessed with more than 220 olfactory receptors in their noses. When they are taking a while to find the perfect spot to eliminate, they are trying to determine the best location to be “noticed”. Your dog may also be looking for some leftover scent of another dog so they can mark their territory!
Have you ever noticed your dog going in multiple circles before squatting down to potty? Don’t be too alarmed! Studies show that this behavior is used to crush taller grass to make a soft bed and scare away any unwanted critters or bugs. Dogs are very vulnerable in the squatting position, so they want to ensure that they are safe.
Perhaps you are out on a long walk and your dog will just not go potty. Maybe they simply do not have to go. Dogs go by a schedule and sometimes it takes some adjusting to ensure that they go potty when needed. Keep an eye out for strong senses of urgency letting you know that they need to go (pacing back and forth in the house, panting, etc.) Of course, there may also be an underlying medical problem if your dog does not eliminate. Be on the lookout for signs of constipation, painful anal glands, and internal blockage.
You must be tired of waiting and waiting for your dog to go potty. If you want to speed up the process a little bit, you can incorporate some of these tips:
- Figuring out the best time to eliminate. Taking potty breaks at different times may yield better results.
- Explore a new spot with your dog. Safety is a huge concern and if your pup does not feel safe, they will not eliminate.
- Use rewards to encourage good behavior!
- Be patient with your dog and use keywords such as “potty” to train them on command.
