Learning how to potty train a deaf dog is not much different then training a new puppy. Anyone bringing home a new dog will make housetraining a priority. The biggest key to successfully housetraining a deaf dog is frequent potty breaks with direction from you.
You can learn how to potty train a deaf dog with the right equipment, knowing your dog’s body language and a few basic tips for successful housetraining.
When should you begin? House training begins the moment you pick up your dog. You will develop a new habit of taking your dog out frequently for the next four months, if it’s a puppy and much less time if it’s an adult dog.
Deaf dog owners’ emphasis that it is important to either have your dog on a leash in the house or limit the areas they are allowed to roam. Baby gates and exercise pens (X-pens) used in the home are an effective way to limit space.
Related Articles:
- Basic Dog Training Commands
- How to Properly Carry a Dog
- How To Take Care Of A Puppy
- How To Take Care Of A Dog
- How to Obedience Train Your Dog
How to Potty Train a Deaf Dog: Necessary Supplies
Set yourself up for success by having your dog wear a collar and keeping a leash nearby. Housetraining goes smoother for all if you plan ahead and know your designated potty area. Have these additional supplies at your fingertips:
- Buckle collar or easy train harness
- 4’ – 6’ leash
- Indoor dog crate
- White vinegar or commercial cleaner for puppy messes
- Spray Bottle
- Baking soda
- Paper towel
- Travel clean-up kit (paper towel, plastic bags, cleaner in a spray bottle)
- Gates and/or X-Pen
Remember, when your dog messes in the house, it’s best to clean it up right away. This simple action communicates to the dog that is not the area for eliminating. If they have completed the act, take them out anyway and come back to clean up the mess.
Related Articles:
- Ultimate Guide: How To Take Care Of A Puppy
- Ultimate Guide: How To Take Care Of A Dog
- Ultimate Guide: How To Take Care Of A Senior Dog
- The Benefits of Owning a Dog
- Top 12 Tips for First Time Dog Owners
- How to Train a Dog
It is important to use cleaning supplies that do not contain bleach or ammonia. Many household cleaners contain ammonia which closely resembles the scent of urine to a dog.
Thoroughly cleaning the accident spots with an enzymatic cleaner will eliminate lingering odors. White vinegar in a spray bottle works exceptionally well. It cleans and deodorizes the site of the accident.
Always remember, when you are unable to watch your dog, place them in a safe location like an indoor crate or gated off area. In general, dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep and rest.
Related Articles:
- How to Treat a Dog Ear Infection at Home without a Vet
- How to Play with Your Dog
- Rules of How to Walk Your Dog
- Tips for First Time Dog Owners
How to Potty Train a Deaf Dog: Know the Signs
Dogs usually give us a few seconds notice when they need to urinate or defecate. They also develop individual potty habits.
Exercise or movement often triggers the need to eliminate. Here are other signs that your puppy needs to go outside:
- Wandering away from the area where they were playing
- Circling while sniffing
- Looks distracted
- Sniffing at the floor or carpet
- Looking at the door or pacing near the door
- Beginning to squat
- Wandering over to an area they had previously eliminated
Keep in mind, it’s not the dog’s fault they have to urinate or defecate. Learning how to potty train a deaf dog is all part of caring for a new canine. We need to be consistent on teaching them the proper location and noticing their indications.
Now, let’s look at how to quickly and successfully housetrain a deaf dog.
Relevant Articles:
- How to Get the Attention of a Deaf Dog
- How to Train a Deaf Dog to Sit and Stay
- How to Train a Deaf Dog with Hand Signals
- How to Train a Deaf Dog
How to Potty Train a Deaf Dog: 6 Tips for Successful House Training
- Designate a dog safe area in your home; either by using a crate and/or gating off rooms in your living space.
- Using a leash, walk outside with your dog to show them where to eliminate, don’t leave it up to them. You will know if they just relieved themselves a tiny bit or did the job right.
- At the beginning of housetraining, using a leash to direct them and keep them focused on the task is important. Puppies and new dogs can get easily distracted and desire to explore.
- Teach them the ASL sign for potty, which is the letter T (for toilet). When you get outside, use the signal for attention (two finger tap on shoulder), show them the T sign. Reward them with a signal (thumbs up) and play time.
- Always supervise your deaf dog. When you need to leave the room or talk on the phone, place them in a safe area.
- Set a timer, if needed, to help you get in the habit of bringing your dog out every ten to fifteen minutes.
Being conscientious of how to potty train a deaf dog is not hard, it’s more of being aware of your new dog every moment they are awake. That is such an important aspect those first several months in a new home. If you are unable to tend to them, place them in their safe area or designated dog crate.
Related Articles:
- How to Cook Liver for Dogs
- How to Get a Picky Dog to Eat
- How to Stop Your Dog from Peeing When Excited
- How to Keep Your House from Smelling like Dog
- How to Measure a Dog for a Harness
You will need an abundance of patience and consistency when it comes to house training a deaf dog. It may take your dog anywhere between two days up to two weeks to know where to eliminate.
When learning how to potty train a deaf dog, keep this checklist handy each day:
Take your dog outside:
- After several minutes of play
- When they wake up from sleeping or napping
- Before and after car rides
- After greeting a family member or friend
- Before and after training sessions (or formal training)
- After eating or drinking
- Before and after putting them in their dog crate
Praise your dog with a thumbs up symbol, a big smile, playtime on a long 30’ lead, or free sniff time in a fenced in yard. Be sure your dog know that you are pleased with their behavior.
How to Potty Train a Deaf Dog
In summary, plan on frequent potty breaks throughout the day. When you take your dog out for potty breaks, use a leash, do not leave it up to them. Direct them to the potty area.
Related Articles:
- How to Train a Deaf Dog to Stop Barking
- How to Train Your Dog with Positive Reinforcement
- How to Crate Train a Dog
- How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash
- How to Train Your Dog to be Social
Teach them the potty sign, T when you want them to eliminate. After getting their attention, use the T sign. Repeat until the job is done.
When learning how to potty train a deaf dog remember that each dog has their own individual characteristics, which plays a part in how quickly or long it takes for them to grasp the concept of where to eliminate.
Wait until your deaf dog is 100% housetrained before letting them have access to the entire home. Know that your deaf dog is confident where to eliminate.
Please read our Legal Disclaimer
