I am adopting a 5yo Maltese who has been strictly house trained using pee pads. What are your suggestions in training her to potty outside only?

Updated On November 30th, 2019

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 13 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Great question! I can give you the method that has always worked for me. Start by keeping Lizzy on a regular feeding schedule, and taking away her food between meals. Take her out to potty first thing every morning, and once every three to four hours Always make sure she goes out after meals, first thing when she wakes up from a nap, last thing before bedtime at night, and right before you leave the house. Take her to the same spot each time to go potty. Her scent there will encourage her to go. Stay with her outside each time she goes to potty, at least until she is fully house trained. When she goes outside, praise her and give her a treat. You might want to consider crate training as part of her house training. It allows you to keep an eye on her for signs that she has to go potty, and will teach her to hold it until you put her outdoors. The crate needs to be big enough for her to stand up, turn around, and lie down, but it should not be big enough for her to go potty in.

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